‘Humane and lawful’ measures introduced on Duchy of Cornwall estate in attempt to protect red squirrel population

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

The Prince of Wales has ordered a cull of the grey squirrel on his estate in an attempt to protect the indigenous red variety.

“Humane and lawful” measures to control the population of greys, which carry a poxvirus that is deadly to red squirrels, have been introduced on the Duchy of Cornwall estate.

The grey species, which were first brought over from America in 1876, are also “extremely destructive” in woodlands, according to the Forestry Commission, stripping the bark from trees and affecting woodland conservation, biodiversity and sustainability.

A spokesman for Prince Charles said: “The red squirrel is a most cherished and iconic national species, and, as patron of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, the Prince of Wales keenly supports all efforts to conserve and promote their diminishing numbers.

“Where appropriate, this includes the humane and lawful control of grey squirrels as well as other measures to enhance the natural habitat of reds across the Duchy of Cornwall estate, in accordance with established estate management practices.”

There are 17 red squirrel strongholds in northern England and an estimated 140,000 red squirrels left in Britain, compared with more than 2.5 million greys, according to the Forestry Commission.

Grey squirrels are an obstacle in the government’s pledge to increase woodland cover from 10% to 12% of England’s land area by 2060. They cause tree damage worth an estimated £10m a year, the Country Land and Business Association said.