The impact of storms on endangered red squirrels in their North East stronghold is being assessed.
Northumberland, and especially Kielder Forest, is a key refuge for the native reds in the face of the advancing imported grey squirrels.
But the animals have had to contend first with the impact of Storm Arwen, Dudley and Eunice respectively - with each storm bringing damages to their respective habitat.
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Heinz Traut, of Red Squirrels Northern England - which is a Northumberland Wildlife Trust project - has in-turn addressed said damages as an upmost priority, saying: “There is no doubt that Storm Arwen will have had an impact on red squirrels and their habitat in the North East and further afield.
“The devastation makes it clear that this was no ordinary storm event. It will be some time before the full impact is quantified or appreciated.”
Forest Research has now produced a preliminary map to estimate the main areas of wind-blow damage to woodland, showing where experts believe the bulk of the damage has occurred.
Mr. Traut continued: “Thankfully the storm did not hit when broad leaves were in leaf, or during the red squirrel breeding season, otherwise, the damage could have been far greater.
“Nevertheless, the storm has resulted in many areas, previously inhabited by colonies for red squirrels, being destroyed.
“We have had reports from volunteers in the North East that, in some cases, red squirrels have stopped coming to feeders following the storm and that new occurrences of grey squirrels have cropped up."
Although it is very likely that the storm has caused disruption to squirrels, especially the use of dreys and access to food caches, reds were allegedly “amazingly resilient” and would hopefully readjust.
David Bliss, trustee of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, added: “We must see this as an opportunity to work with the Woodland Trust, Natural England and the Forestry Commission to take advice on replanting the woodlands.
“So many of our woodlands have been neglected over the years and they are not of mixed age.
"Now is the time to build more resilience into these woodlands by replanting different types and looking carefully at what we plant; perhaps also giving additional space for the woodland and wildlife corridors.”
A recent report details the 2021 results of the annual red and grey squirrel monitoring programme coordinated by Red Squirrels Northern England.
The survey is conducted during a three month period across known red squirrel ranges in northern England.
Established by Red Squirrels Northern England (RSNE) in 2012, it aims to survey approximately 300 woodlands, Involving up to 150 people, around 75% of which are volunteers in what is one of the largest citizen science programmes in mammal conservation in the UK.
What is apparent from the 2021 survey is that the red population had remained relatively stable since 2015, but increasing grey occupancy of territory is a concern and management of grey populations remains vital.
