Last week, the UK government published a new Grey Squirrel Policy Statement for England. It’s a welcome step, and it matters because it is unusually direct about the scale of the problem: grey squirrels are harming red squirrels, damaging trees, and undermining woodland resilience.

The statement also makes something else plain: the countryside has not been waiting for Westminster. Volunteers are already doing much of the work on the ground.

Government cites Red Squirrels Northern England’s estimate that community volunteer groups were responsible for 80% of grey squirrel management reported across the red squirrel’s northern range in 2024.

So yes, this is progress. It includes commitments to:

• expect landowners and managers receiving public funds for grey squirrel impact reduction to demonstrate they are doing this effectively
• expand landscape scale coordination by funding project officers in Lancashire, Yorkshire and County Durham
• strengthen the long term footing of the UK Squirrel Accord from 2026
  produce training support, including a webinar on impact surveys and creating a squirrel management plan by summer 2026
• continue research into new approaches, including oral fertility control delivered via a species specific mechanism

But here’s the honest truth: a policy statement is not the same as protection. It’s intent, not outcomes. Government says it will review delivery and publish a progress report by the end of 2031. That is accountability in principle, but it is also far too long a runway for a species already fighting for space and safety.

This is our stake in the sand. We welcome government movement and we will work constructively with anyone acting in good faith. But we will not stop until red squirrel strongholds are properly safeguarded in practice, and woodland management truly puts biodiversity first, not last.

That is why this petition matters.

If you’ve already signed, thank you. Please share again today. If you haven’t signed yet, this is the moment.

Sign and share here: Save Our Reds Petition

See our brand new campaign website for the latest updates and information: Save our Reds Website

Read the government policy statement: Grey squirrel policy statement.

With gratitude, and determination,

Marie Carter-Robb
Founder, Save Our Reds