Identification of priority
woodlands for Red Squirrel conservation in North and Central
Scotland: a preliminary analysis
Commissioned Report No. 089 (ROAME No. F02AC334)
Contractor: Forest Research
Year of publication: 2005
Background
The Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is native to Britain
and was formerly widespread throughout England Scotland and
Wales. It is now restricted primarily to Scotland, the north
of England, and small pockets in Wales and southern England
(Pepper et al., 2001). The identification of key sites, where
management benefits Red Squirrels, will be a priority; and
is central to the maintenance of viable self-sustaining populations
of Red Squirrels in the future. This report presents the results
of analysis to apply the criteria proposed Reynolds & Bentley
(2001) to identify such sites across Scotland.
Phase 1 of this study used information on woodland size and
composition (broadleaf or conifer) and squirrel distribution
to select blocks of woodland which conformed to the criteria.
These were identified throughout Central and North Scotland
and thereby supplement the previous analysis for Dumfries
and Galloway Borders region (Poulsom et al., 2003).
The aim of Phase 2 was to identify and rank sites for Red
Squirrel conservation management within these regions. (see
map below)
Main findings
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Data quality was variable for squirrel distribution/presence,
woodland composition and management plans. This influenced
methods of data analysis. |
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12 scoring factors were used in the ranking process.
No region scored highly for every factor, with woodlands
of each region having particular strengths and weaknesses. |
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192 woodlands were initially selected as suitable
priority areas for Red Squirrel conservation. Woods
were rejected due to lack of Red Squirrels or presence
of Grey Squirrels. 127 woodlands were included in the
final analysis and ranking. |
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All woodlands were in Grampian, Highland, Strathclyde,
Central, Fife and Tayside. There were woodlands in the
Lothian's in the final ranking list. |
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A higher proportion of woods were in private ownership
(52); compared to Forestry Commission ownership (45).
The remaining 30 woods were jointly owned. |
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With the exception of Strathclyde south, high ranking
woodlands were found in each region. |
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The work identified three vulnerable areas for the
spread of Grey Squirrels along Deeside and Donside,
in Grampian, and at the top of the Cowal and Kintyre
peninsulas, in North Strathclyde. Grey Squirrel control
targeted at these areas would significantly impede the
spread of Grey Squirrels into currently vulnerable Red
Squirrel populations. |
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Improved data on squirrel distribution is required. |
For further information on this project contact:
Dr. Mairi Cole, Scottish Natural Heritage, 2 Anderson Place,
Edinburgh EH6 5NP.
Tel: 0131-446 2068
For further information on the SNH Research & Technical Support
Programme contact:
The Advisory Services Co-ordination Group, Scottish Natural
Heritage,
2 Anderson Place, Edinburgh EH6 5NP.
Tel: 0131–446 2400
or e-mail ascg@snh.gov.uk
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