The photographic and drawing competitions the Society held in conjunction with the EADT as part of insect week were very well supported. Together, the three competitions attracted 60 entries. The standard was very high in all categories, so much so that the judges decided to create a Highly Commended award in addition to the three main prizes, and even then some super contributions did not get a prize. Two of the categories were for youngsters only, so there is a new generation of naturalists coming up after all! Congratulations to the winners and well done to all the entrants!
Grey squirrels – better than no squirrels?
As long as I can remember the grey squirrel has had a bad press but now, drummed up by those with a commercial interest in forestry, it has intensified into a campaign of vilification. It has been tried before – several years ago MAFF attempted to change the common name to ‘tree rat’ in order to alter perceptions of the animal. Is this going too far?
The theory that the grey has displaced our native red squirrel by competing for food, is too simple an explanation on its own. Research is still continuing into the proposition that the grey brought the parapox virus that kills reds. The red squirrel suffered a major decline in numbers in the 1940s and 1950s. Records show that reds and greys lived alongside one another for a time. One reason that reds disappear is reduced reproductive success rather than reduced survival – they are just not reproducing fast enough to replace themselves, and the reasons are complex. It does seem clear that what the reds need is extensive conifer forests that are devoid of broad-leaved tree species. This could give them a competitive edge over their larger cousins.
Yes, the grey squirrel is a pest. Foresters and ornithologists, because of the damage squirrels do to young trees and seeds and birds, dislike them. However, even pest species are entitled to be killed in a humane way. The dilemma of how to kill a trapped one (it is illegal to release one once captured) needs removing by clearer advice that is easily available. Abusive publicity encourages some people to feel justified in using cruel and illegal means to kill the animal.
The grey squirrel provides opportunities to observe the characteristics and behaviour of a wild mammal easily and at close quarters. It is more or less the only wild species that most people see, and what they see is not a bad advert for the rest of the mammal class. Watching their antics provides a lot of pleasure for many.
Owing to other factors it seems that if the grey squirrel were exterminated in Britain the red squirrel might not extend its range. Even if it did, we would not see it in parks and gardens – red squirrels are timid and inhabit the tops of trees, rarely coming to the ground; grey squirrels are bold and spend a lot of time on terra firma, which enables us to see them close up.
There is no doubt that the grey squirrel has a significant impact on woodland biodiversity and that the issue is complex and not fully understood. Surely what is required, before millions, or even billions, of pounds are invested in an eradication programme, is more fact-finding followed by balanced discussion - certainly not a hate campaign that ignores reason and appeals only to primitive instincts.
Click here to view the latest distribution maps for Grey and Red squirrel in Suffolk. And if you can see a 'dot' missing for Greys (or even Reds) then please send details in to the SBRC at the Ipswich Museum.
Thank you, Sicklesmere correspondent
Avid readers of ‘A Sicklesmere Garden’ will be sorry to learn that Stan Dumican has decided that he has too many commitments competing for his time and so is retiring from writing for White Admiral. ‘Sicklesmere’ has been a regular feature since Spring 1999. Stan has given a lot of time to the Society over the years. He is a past Chairman and former member of Council. We are immensely grateful to him for his enthusiasm, time and energy, and other contributions such as many fine photographs, and not least, the wisdom he imparts. We wish him great success in his other naturalist roles and hope to receive reports from time to time.
David Walker
© 2004 Suffolk Naturalists' Society
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