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<p>The Government is committed to protecting and expanding red squirrel populations
and tackling the threats that grey squirrels in particular pose to them.</p><p> </p><p>
</p><p>In particular, Defra is contributing a total of £50,000 between 2014 and 2016
to research into the Squirrel Pox Vaccine that will help to secure the long term future
of red squirrels in the UK.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Additionally, the Forestry Commission
continues to support Red Squirrels Northern England, a partnership project between
the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, Natural England, the Forestry Commission and the
Wildlife Trusts, which is helping to protect and expand the biggest population of
red squirrels left in England. Seventeen reserves have been identified where long-term
survival of the species is considered most likely. Targeted control of grey squirrels
is carried out in the reserves and surrounding buffer zones. In addition, the reserves
and surrounding areas are being managed in ways that favour red squirrels. In the
south of England, where there are secure populations on the Isle of Wight and Poole
Harbour Islands, there is an action plan in place to respond to the appearance of
grey squirrels.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>In 2014 the Forestry Commission reviewed our
approach to grey squirrels. As a result of the review, the Forestry Commission has
updated the action plan for grey squirrels in England.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p>
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