WS3: SQUIRREL CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT
How much will be paid
£60 per hectare (ha)
Where to use this supplement
It’s available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier on whole or part parcels.
If you include this as part of your Higher Tier application, the Forestry Commission will assess your application for this option before you are offered an agreement.
How this supplement will benefit the environment
Effective use of this supplement will:
limit tree damage and support red squirrel populations (where present)
increase control of invasive species
support conservation of composition of native woodland
Aims
To manage the population of invasive grey squirrels and help increase the population of native red squirrels.
Requirements
Work with your deer officer/woodland officer to produce a Squirrel Control Plan (SCP) outlining the activities you will carry out. To secure the annual funding for this supplement you must email your SCP to your local deer officer/woodland officer by the end of year 1. Your SCP will build on the draft plan that you submit with your Initial Application documents
Take part in Grey Squirrel control training – your local deer officer/woodland officer will discuss these courses with you
Erect an agreed number of traps within your woodland as shown in your SCP
Carry out agreed levels of culling activity as agreed with your deer officer/woodland officer in your SCP. Using the annual cull and effort record provide evidence of culling activity and cull returns and photographic evidence of squirrels killed to the deer officer/woodland officer annually, following the guidance provided in Forestry Commission operations note 60
Provide an impact/activity survey to show annual impact, using the activity and Impact Methodology document for guidance, and submit to the Forestry Commission at the end of Years 1, 3 and 5