Grey Squirrels

[Darren]

Looks like the war on the greys is on.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/oct/19/red-squirrels-protection

http://www.rspp.org.uk/

[The Sawyer]

I know this can be a pretty emotive issue to a lot of people. I can see both sides of it even as a woodland manager the can be very endearing little critters but they do do a lot of damage to woodland crops, and this has been one of the worst on record for damage. Many also link them to the drop in woodland and garden birds, and I know that they have destroyed nest in may parents garden although I have know evidence that there where chick in them.

I'm sure this thread will run on

ttfn kester

[Darren]

I think I will be buying a few of those Kania 2000 traps at least it will give the birds a break.(excuse the pun)

[RichardKing]

Dont know if you read the letters in "Smallwoods" a few months back. Somebody said he found "Fen" traps were more effective & a lot cheaper. About £5- each on Ebay. Does anyone else have any experience ?

[Darren]

How does the fen trap work? do you hang it in a tree?

[Darren]

I've brought 4 from ebay. I'll will make a cage for them just in case I kill something else

[mikepepler]

I've just bought an airgun, going to shoot them and eat them. I know I won't eradicate them, especially as some neighbours won't do any control, but perhaps it will reduce the numbers a little. If not, at least we'll have some meat to eat.

[RichardKing]

Mike, why dont you ask Ray Mears for some recipes, he lives over at Etchingham.

[tracy]

Good idea Richard, although we have our friends who know lots of recipes too!

We need- by that I mean Mike - needs to learn to skin them first. He can do rabbits.

I feel somewhat weird about eating them, but then when I look at what happens to sheep, chickens and cows, and how they are treated, I think free range meat is a far far better option. Either that, or be veggie.....

[Darren]

I doubt that I could get near enough with my air rifle, they are very shy in our woods.