King Charles Backs Red Squirrel Survival as New Grey Squirrel Control Trials Offer Hope for Formby

Charles receiving a toy red squirrel for Prince George from the Scottish Wildlife Trust at Murthly Castle, Perthshire, in 2014

A major national effort to save Britain’s red squirrels is gathering pace, King Charles has given a major personal boost to the fight to save Britain’s red squirrels, after donating his own money to a charity working to protect the native species from the growing threat of grey squirrels.

The monarch has made what has been described as a very generous donation to the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, a charity he supports as patron. The King Charles III Charitable Fund has also made a donation, meaning the charity has received support both through the fund and directly from His Majesty himself.

In a letter to the trust, the King praised the volunteers working across the country to protect red squirrels, saying the true heroes are the people who work tirelessly on the ground. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude for everything they are doing.

The issue is deeply relevant here in Formby, where red squirrels are part of the area’s identity and history. Our pinewoods remain one of the most important red squirrel habitats in England, but numbers are under pressure and the threat from grey squirrels remains serious.

Grey Squirrel

Grey squirrels, which were introduced from North America, compete with red squirrels for food and habitat. They can also carry squirrel pox, a disease that is often deadly to reds.

One of the most significant new projects now being supported is a scientific trial to control grey squirrel numbers without relying only on culling. Researchers are testing special feeding hoppers that can only be opened by the heavier grey squirrels. Inside is a paste that the greys are encouraged to eat.

At this stage, the trial is testing whether grey squirrels will take the paste. The paste also contains a harmless dye, which has turned some grey squirrels pink so scientists can track which animals have eaten it.

The long term plan is to add a contraceptive to the paste, making grey squirrels infertile and gradually reducing their population. If successful, the contraceptive could begin to be introduced in 2028.

For Formby, this work could be vital. Red squirrels have already disappeared from many parts of England, and experts fear they could vanish from the country within decades without urgent action.

The King’s personal support shows just how important this issue has become nationally. Here in Formby, where seeing a red squirrel is still one of the joys of visiting the pinewoods, the hope is that this work will help protect them for future generations.