WS3: Squirrel control and management
Find out about eligibility and requirements for the Squirrel control and management item.
How much will be paid
£50 per hectare (ha)
Where to use this supplement
It’s available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier on whole or part parcels.
How this supplement will benefit the environment
Effective use of this supplement will:
- limit tree damage and support red squirrel populations (where present)
- increase control of invasive species
- support conservation of composition of native woodland
Aims
To manage the population of invasive grey squirrels and help increase the population of native red squirrels.
Requirements
- Work with your deer officer/woodland officer to produce a Squirrel Management Plan (SMP) outlining the activities you will carry out. To secure the annual funding for this supplement you must email your SMP to your local deer officer/woodland officer by the end of year 1. Your SMP will build on the draft plan that you submit with your Final Application documents
- Take part in Grey Squirrel control training – your local deer officer/woodland officer will discuss these courses with you
- Erect an agreed number of traps within your woodland as shown in your SMP
- Provide as agreed, squirrel control evidence (photographic evidence of effort/activity and outcomes) by year 2, 3, 4 and 5 to your local deer officer/woodland officer
Keeping records
Application stage:
- supply a draft Squirrel Management Plan with your Final Application Documents
You must keep the following records and supply them on request:
- bank statements, receipted invoices, consents, or permissions connected with the work
- records of all management activity on the option area for each parcel, including an operational site assessment, or similar, to show UKFS compliant operational activities
- a Forestry Commission approved management plan that justifies the need for this option
- a Squirrel Management Plan by the end of year 1 of your agreement
- monitoring reports for year 3 and 5 of the agreement to confirm progress (for example providing before and after photographs, a record of the number of squirrels culled, and the results of squirrel monitoring)
- evidence of activities undertaken through monitoring, photography and marking
Additional guidance and advice
Read more information about Controlling grey squirrels in forests and woodlands in the UK.
Further information
Read more information about Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier to find out more about the scheme and how to apply.
Published 8 February 2022