Following the call for humane and lawful measures to protect the red squirrel population, leading air gun supplier “Sports Guns” supports plans to prevent further spread from grey squirrels.

The Prince of Wales has indeed ordered the cull following a drop in the number of red squirrels at his Duchy of Cornwall estate in what has been described as ‘an attempt to protect the red squirrel population’. Across the UK, the indigenous red variety of squirrel has been in steady decline over the years since the grey was introduced from North America back in the 19^th century. Stripping many of the red squirrel’s natural habitats, they cause damage to trees worth £10m a year and have subsequently starved much of the red squirrel population out.

With only 17 red squirrel strongholds left in northern parts of England and just an estimated 140,000 of the native variety squirrel left in the UK, it is a stark number when compared to the 2.5m+ grey squirrels that have dominated the landscape. Prince Charles’ decision to order a cull is a humanitarian move, with a spokesperson stating:

“The red squirrel is a most cherished and iconic national species, and, as patron of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, the Prince of Wales keenly supports all efforts to conserve and promote their diminishing numbers.

“Where appropriate, this includes the humane and lawful control of grey squirrels as well as other measures to enhance the natural habitat of reds across the Duchy of Cornwall estate, in accordance with established estate management practices.”

Across the UK, particularly in Scotland, the views are equally accepted as more of the native red variety has dwindled in numbers. The poxvirus that is carried by greys is deadly to red squirrels and in addition, greys are extremely destructive to the natural environment, causing damage to woodland ecosystems by affecting the conservation and stripping bark from trees.

Welsh-based air gun, sports gun, air rifle and crossbow supplier Sports Guns regularly respond to news and reports from within their industry. A spokesperson for the company believes that every effort to protect the red population should be approached to save our indigenous squirrel population:

“Providing that grey squirrel populations are reduced and maintained at far lower levels, we should see an improvement in red squirrel numbers. Although occasional outbreaks of squirrelpox will occur, lessening the competition for food and resources will allow the red variety to recover to numbers that we once saw in the UK.”

Well-established as a leading provider of airguns, pellet ammo and crossbows, targets and archery accessories, Sports Guns have been providing their customers across the UK successfully since 1991. Whatever your intended use may be, they are a company you can rely on and their extensive range can be viewed via their website at www.sportsguns.co.uk today.