Red squirrel conservation project welcomed by King during York visit
The monarch visited a York research centre developing contraceptives for grey squirrels to help protect endangered red populations
The King was praised for his “innate understanding that we need to be in harmony with nature”, as he visited a project aimed at promoting red squirrels by limiting their grey cousins’ numbers using contraceptives.
In sweltering temperatures close to 30C, Charles wore a light grey, pin-striped suit, pink shirt and darker pink tie as he met staff at the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s York Biotech Campus on Tuesday.
He talked to scientists and volunteers who explained the various stages of the project to develop a method of delivering oral contraceptives to grey squirrels through a feeding programme, as part of efforts to slow the rate of the species’ population growth and help endangered red squirrels to thrive.
The King was also shown round the large pens where dozens of squirrels are bred and kept for the project, but none of them ventured out of their boxes to greet the royal visitor in the intense heat.
Dr Julie Lane, head of the National Wildlife Management Centre at the APHA, told Charles: “What a wonderful day you’ve given us.
“You’ve been championing our red squirrels for decades now, which is why we’ve been so keen to show you the work we’ve been doing here at the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
“Without you, this work would not be happening at all.”
Dr Lane said: “Your leadership with respect to looking after our native species, we’re so grateful for.
“Plus, your innate understanding that we need to be in harmony with nature to protect our special species.”
The King was presented with a framed photograph of a red squirrel by field ecologist Erin Thomas, who explained how she took the picture herself at the Yorkshire Arboretum, at nearby Castle Howard.
He thanked Ms Thomas, saying “that’s fantastic”.
Speaking after, she said: “I’m happy he likes it.
“It’s just a hobby and I never thought this would happen.”
As he left the site, which is just outside the city of York, the King met other staff who told him they worked in the animal quarantine area.
“Lots of parrots,” one worker told him, to which the royal visitor replied: “It’s terrifying what people bring in.”
He said: “I couldn’t believe on a poster back there – racoons”.
The King asked whether they have to deal with snakes, and the staff replied that they were currently gearing up for this capacity.
Speaking after the visit, Dr Lane said: “He’s very interested in the work that we’re doing to provide an oral contraception, particularly because of his love for red squirrels.
“There are red squirrels in all counties, and we’ve shown with the work that we’re doing that, if you combine a contraceptive with a standard control methods, that it’s much more effective, so you can get the levels of grey squirrels down much more effectively.”
Dr Lane explained that the King saw how the contraceptive, which is delivered using a hazelnut paste, is developed.
He also saw the work which is ongoing to perfect a trap, which will capture a grey squirrel but not other animals, including the reds.
Dr Lane said: “I think grey squirrels are our biggest threat to biodiversity in this country at the moment, because of the damage they do to trees.
“They are a massive threat to biodiversity.
“So, it’s not just about bringing the red squirrels back.
“It’s the whole of nature that the grey squirrels affect.”