Training
Below is a list of training courses that provide skills to manage grey squirrels humanely and effectively.
If you know of others that could be added please contact info@squirrelaccord.uk
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Grey Squirrel Control (Northern Ireland) – Ulster Wildlife (Lantra accredited)
Lantra accredited course for those involved in grey squirrel management for red squirrel conservation in Northern Ireland. Ulster Wildlife deliver two funded courses each year.
Course content:
- Red squirrels vs grey squirrels
- The history of squirrels in Ireland
- The ecology of red and grey squirrels
- Reasons for controlling grey squirrels
- Legislation in Northern Ireland
- Control methods and welfare
- Health and safety
- Recording data
- Use of traps and equipment
There is a written theory test and practical assessment.
Contact Katy Bell at Ulster Wildlife for further information: katy.bell@ulsterwildlife.org
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Grey Squirrel Management Competency Training – BASC & UK Squirrel Accord (BASC accredited)
BASC accredited course freely available to those involved in the UK Squirrel Accord project (thanks to Forestry Commission funding) being delivered in Yorkshire, Lancashire and County Durham to protect red squirrels and trees. It provides a sturdy foundation of theory and practical techniques for the trap and humane dispatch of grey squirrels. Training is followed by mentoring to ensure practical competency and ongoing skills development.
Course content:
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- Squirrel ecology & behaviour
- Negative grey squirrel impacts
- Legislation & legal requirements
- Monitoring & trapping
- Humane dispatch
- Record keeping
- Risk assessments
- Useful resources
There is a written theory test and a practical competency assessment.
Contact our Squirrel Officers for further information: SquirrelOfficers@squirrelaccord.uk
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Grey Squirrel Management Training – British Red Squirrel (Lantra accredited)
Lantra accredited course for anyone involved in grey squirrel management for red squirrel conservation or invasive species impact reduction. Training is provided on demand at locations across Britain.
Course content:
- Squirrel ecology
- Grey squirrel management reasons
- Law
- Working together
- Health & safety
- Monitoring
- Practical methods.
There is an assessment at the end of this course.
Further information is available on the British Red Squirrel website.
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Grey Squirrel Shooting Competency Course - Julie Bailey (Lantra accredited)
Lantra accredited course that provides the knowledge, skills and practical competence required to undertake the safe, humane and effective shooting of grey squirrels for red squirrel conservation and the protection of trees and woodland ecosystems, in accordance with current UK legislation, standards and recognised best practice.
Course content:
Theoretical Instruction:
- Ecology and management of grey squirrels
- Legal responsibilities
- Firearm safety, storage and transport
- Risk assessment and safe shooting zones
- Humane dispatch principles
- Record-keeping and monitoring of control programmes
Practical Training:
- Firearm or air rifle handling and maintenance
- Safe shooting positions and field techniques
- Range estimation and target acquisition
- Shot placement and humane dispatch
- Field hygiene and carcass disposal procedures
Learners will be formally assessed via an individual written test, continuous assessment in the safe handling of rifles and a shooting accuracy test.
Further information can be found on the Lantra website.
UKSA project
Join our project to help protect red squirrels & trees in Yorkshire, Lancashire & County Durham.
Events
Online and in-person events to raise awareness & share knowledge. Find out more & join our next one.
Fertility control
Find out about our fertility control research to offer a new method for grey squirrel management.