Following Squirrel Appreciation Day at the weekend, Clwyd West MS and Red Squirrel Species Champion in the Senedd, Darren Millar, has raised red squirrel conservation with the Welsh Government and called for an update on the support they are providing.
Speaking in the Senedd this week, Darren, referred to the good work being carried out in Wales to promote and boost the numbers of red squirrels and was keen to know what Welsh Government Ministers are doing to promote these efforts.
He also highlighted the damage that grey squirrels can cause and proposed a way to address the problem.
He said:
“We marked Red Squirrel Appreciation Day last weekend and as the red squirrel champion in this Senedd, I don't want to miss the opportunity to seek an update on the support that the Welsh Government is giving to the conservation work that is taking place for red squirrels.
“I took part in a webinar yesterday with the UK Squirrel Accord to talk about the good work that's being done, collectively, in Wales, to promote and boost the numbers of red squirrels in the country. But one issue of concern that was raised was the fact that the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 apparently only covers rodents and there's no provision for the pest damage that grey squirrels can also cause to trees, homes and businesses - stripping electrical wiring, burrowing into people's properties and causing damage to the timber and trees.
“Therefore, I would ask if we could have an update on red squirrel conservation work in Wales from you as Minister, and whether you could incorporate some reflections on whether it would be a good idea to broaden the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act in order to encompass the damage caused by grey squirrels in particular.”
Speaking afterwards, Darren said:
“Unfortunately, without conservation management, red squirrels could become extinct.
“It is great that so much work has been carried out in North Wales to protect the red squirrel and I thank all those involved in such work. However, we cannot become complacent and must continue doing all we can to protect red squirrels. Without the appropriate action to protect our wildlife here in Wales, we risk causing irreparable damage to our natural heritage.”
