Grey Squirrel Control 28 February, 2010

Ex Glande Quercus and Speckler make perfectly understandable points with regard to grew squirrels, but whilst it is fine for each woodland owner to make their choice as to how to approach grey squirrels - and indeed to decide whether they view them as a problem or not - one should guard against an overly sentimental approach to land management. We live in a countryside that has been entirely remodelled by human activity, one that has seen the wholesale removal of many of the larger predators and the vast majority of native woodland and ecosystems dramatically altered, if not destroyed. Throughout the centuries since wilderness in Britain first disappeared, animal and plant populations have been managed usually to maximise productivity of crops and game, establishing the balance of flora and fauna we now view as natural.

In view of this, people should be encouraged actively to manage woodland in the pursuit of greater biodiversity, and not have to accept the more sterile state of affairs that would otherwise persist in an anthropogenic environment.

I would add that the one thing I do very much object to is Ex Glande Quercus' discouragement of amateur ownership of woodland. Whilst no one would argue for large tracts of the landscape to be managed by the untrained, letting the keen try their hand at the management of small plots can only enhance the understanding and appreciation of Britain's flora and fauna amongst those who would otherwise hold an entirely urbanised worldview.

Well done Woodlands for Sale and Woodlands TV.

Supposing there were no Men in the woods to shoot the animals, would the woods fall down?

Grey squirrels are charming animals to watch. It is a shame that the damage they do can be so devastating.
It feels like if you shoot one, two more take it's place.
They are a B. menace as far as I am concerned

I'm with Speckler- just be honest - this is just about killing not adding any value - it goes hand in hand with the destruction of our local woodland by a series of amatuer small woodland owners.

I am not exactly sure why you find life in your wood so wretched, or why you encourage "people" to kill it.

Amenity woodland is owned for leisure and recreation, small animals generally enhance that experience.

Neither Rabbits nor Squirrels can eat a persons wood. They live at a pre-defined population density and they live in perfect harmony with the wood. They belong there, it is their habitat.

I have never heard of a Squirrel destroying an acre of woodland by contrast I have heard of Men destroying much more.

There isn't any real reason to harm any of the wild life in an amenity wood. For some this is a bitter pill to swallow.

I am not saying don't kill things if that is why you bought into woodland, kill all that you have, it doesn't bother me. All that I am saying is that there is no reason for it.

Take care.

good video, but when i make comments on grey squirell videos, saying they all should be shot, the abuse i get it unbelievable

nothing better than hunting tree rats

If you release a bunch of 12 year olds into the woods with pellet rifles that would work well also.