Reds are on their way back

There has been some good news recently for the Red squirrel population in Formby (near Merseyside). According to the Red Squirrel Survival Trust (RSST) Merseyside has seen good signs for an increase in the numbers of the troubled squirrel, and are hoping for a good breeding season.

The Red Squirrel population at Formby Point National Trust Reserve and the surrounding areas along the Sefton's coast, have seen a decline in the population due to a squirrel pox out break in 2006.

The disease is carried by one of the airgunners favourite quarry the Grey squirrel, they helped reduce the Red squirrel population in the area from around 1000 to only 100 to 150 by 2008. There were worrys that the population had dropped below a level where it could recover and naturally re-populate.

The signs that the population could recover came as they had not seen a single squirrel pox case since December 2008, and the areas which first saw the out break have had their numbers start to increase.

Joshua Perry, RSST director, said: "We believe that with sustained grey squirrel control, there is every chance that red squirrel numbers in the district can recover. This adds further weight to the argument that red squirrel populations can flourish when given the right support. After several years of doom and gloom, finally the county's reds are fighting back!"

To further aid the recovery of the squirrels the RSST has setup a new initiative with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust,  the National Trust and Save Our Squirrels (SOS) to help build on these positive signs.

So maybe there is hope for the rest of the UK, as long as we can get on top of the numbers.