Conserving the red squirrel in Thetford Forest (ENRR262)

Studies on conserving the red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris in Thetford Forest began in I992 in a 1700 ha area designated as the Red Squirrel Reserve. More than 90% of the Reserve is dominated by Scots Pinus sylvestrix and Corsican P. nigra pine. The remaining trees in the Reserve we a variety of conifer species with some broadleaves, including oak Quercus robur and beech Fagus sylvatica. The studies are currently sponsored by English Nature, Forest Enterprise and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species. This report considers the effects of grey squirrel S.carolinensis removal and habitat structure on the numbers, distribution and health and welfare of red squirrels within the Reserve in the period from September 1992 to February 1996.