Sports Guns, a UK-wide seller of air rifles and pistols, have backed calls from CLA South East, an organisation representing farmers and landowners in the South East, for more control of grey squirrels.

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) South East protect the interests of rurally-located businesses, farmers and landowners, and they’ve recently called for the relicensing of Warfarin, a poison utilised in bait, in an effort to better control the rapidly expanding grey squirrel population.

The call comes as support for new Government policy, announced in November, which set out a new plan of action to tackle the pest in wooded areas. However, CLA South East want the poison Warfarin to be used to reduce grey numbers.

CLA South East also reiterated that they will continue to work alongside a number of private partners, including Natural England and the Forestry Commission, to tackle the issue.

Director of CLA South East, Robin Edwards, explained: “Grey squirrels cause millions of pounds of damage to vital woodland across the country. The action plan is a positive step forward and must assist in getting government and landowners working together to make a real and lasting difference.

“However, the action plan is hampered by the failure to reverse the decision to ban the use of Warfarin. Warfarin is by far the most effective tool in controlling grey squirrels and we will continue to press for its reintroduction.”

It’s thought that grey squirrels in the UK cause millions of pounds work of damage to British woodlands every single year. They’re also known for carrying diseases that have decimated the number of indigenous red squirrels.

The plan is one of many designed to boost the number of native red squirrels in the country. Already, there are a number of informal squirrel shoots throughout the UK.

Sports Guns, a popular seller of airguns, also weighed in on the debate, encouraging people with air rifles to shoot grey squirrels.

A representative for the company said: “Grey squirrels are a real problem in the UK and their presence has led to a massive decline in the number of native red squirrels, so much so that they’re officially classified as a pest. If you want to do your bit for British woodlands and nature then shooting grey squirrels is a great way to go about it.

“Not only is hunting grey squirrels great fun but it’s also an easy way to make a tasty and nutritious meal. While Warfarin is effective, it also leaves squirrels inedible.”

Sports Guns sells airguns suitable for beginners and accomplished shooters alike. They deliver throughout the UK and also offer airsoft products. Visit their website at http://sportsguns.co.uk/ for more info.