The squirrel war!

Its the armchair environmentalist I have a problem with. They are selective in what they tell us to do. Only see the fluffy ones. Tarnish us country folk whilst we are doing out  bit to keep the balance. The foreign species were introduced into this country by the elite not us country folk. You will never convince the rabble

Well, "environmentalist" is a step forward from "bunny hugger",  F, so well done on that. But, honestly, "us country folk", "rabble" - who are you trying to impress? 

The term "Bunny Hugger" doesn't insult or offend me in the least  Moulesy.---- But then I'm not one of those people who go out of my way to find something to be offended by ---- I happen to like rabbits, we had one as a pet. My daughter had two, they were great fun to watch.---- I live in the country and dislike the way those immigrant grey Squirrels are spreading their illnesses and viruses among our indigenous Red Squirrels. 

K 

Where's Glenn Close when you need her?

K - I don't go out of my way to be offended. But as you yourself havesaid repeatedly no one should be denigrated for their choice of where to tour and I assume that also applies to not demeaning folk for whatever opinion they hold surely? At least F seems to have realised that. As a matter of fact I don't disagree with the point of view that grey squirrels are a menacer particularly to the native red species. It's the use of demeaning terms I dislike. Live and let live - that's your motto isn't it? So let's have folk allowed to express their opinions without being denigrated.  Fair enough?

There are so many non native species of animals and plants in the UK some are a problem and some cause no problem to health or our environment.  Rhododendrons are a pretty shrub they can run riot and suppress native plant species, same with Russian vine and knot weed etc.. No one bats an eyelid when we try to control or eradicate plants but loads of people take up arms when an animal is involved. Grey squirrels are dextrose and intelligent animals but they are a pest and have devastated our native species so IMHO they need to be suppressed.

And still there are those who are spreading toxic lead all over our countryside killing our native wildlife present and future in the name of sport! Do they care? Not a jot it appears, in fact they find it fun!

Yes it is Rocky but it’s still a bloody nuisance! 🤣🤣

Some headway is being made - the Cornwall Red Squirrel Project, which started in 2009 has now eradicated - by shooting and trapping - about 4000 grey squirrels, sufficient to give the reds that are about to be released there, a fighting chance.  It's 34 years since a red was last seen in that county.  I totally agree with everything that Merve has said, the greys spread disease - particularly amongst red squirrels and also predate on song- bird eggs and chicks to say nothing of the damage they do to the habitat by stripping the bark off trees. It's just a pity that this project isn't being replicated across the country.

richardandros- Im doing my bit. Dot need an organisation to do it. Have shot over 300 here  on my own land over the last few years. Still no sign of a Red though- probably already killed out by the invaders. Same thing with the Idiots who released mink and they were supposed to be environmentalist and wildlife lovers!!