New 2026 Grey Squirrel Framework: What Landowners and Conservationists Need to Know
Grey squirrels have long been a challenge for UK woodlands. Non-native and highly adaptable, they cause significant tree damage, threaten timber production, and endanger native red squirrels. In 2026, the UK government released a new Grey Squirrel Framework to tackle these issues head-on, replacing the 2014 Grey Squirrel Action Plan. Here’s what you need to know.
Why a New Framework Was Needed
Grey squirrels now number an estimated 2.7 million in Great Britain, with impacts including:
Bark stripping and tree damage in woodlands
Threats to native red squirrel populations
Economic losses in forestry and timber production
With the UK’s woodland expansion and net-zero goals, controlling grey squirrel impacts is more important than ever. The new framework provides clear policy direction, funding pathways, and a coordinated approach to management.
Key Goals of the 2026 Grey Squirrel Framework
The main objective is to substantially reduce grey squirrel impacts on woodlands and red squirrels. The framework aligns with:
The England Red Squirrel Action Plan
The Invasive Non-Native Species Strategy
Woodland creation and timber supply initiatives
It also strengthens expectations for landowners and managers to act, particularly when receiving public funding.
What the Policy Means for Landowners
Risk Assessment and Management Plans
Landowners will need to assess grey squirrel risk in woodland management plans and include effective control measures.Funding Opportunities
Grants through schemes like Countryside Stewardship may now be tied to demonstrating active grey squirrel management.Training and Skills
The government will support training programs, apprenticeships, and guidance for landowners, volunteers, and forestry professionals.Monitoring and Reporting
Success will be measured via woodland surveys, area under management, and red squirrel population tracking.
Supporting Research and Innovation
The framework encourages research into novel control methods, including:
Fertility control techniques
Improved population management tools
Landscape-scale strategies for sustainable woodland protection
This ensures management methods stay effective and up to date.
Collaboration Is Key
The framework emphasizes a partnership-led approach, involving:
Government agencies (Defra, Forestry Commission)
Landowners and forestry sector
Conservation charities and volunteers
Researchers developing new management techniques
The goal is to coordinate efforts across landscapes to achieve measurable impact.
What This Means in Practice
For landowners and forestry managers:
Active grey squirrel management will become increasingly necessary
Funding may depend on demonstrable action
Woodland and timber protection strategies must consider grey squirrel risks
For conservationists and volunteers:
Stronger emphasis on protecting red squirrels
More coordinated action at a landscape level
Takeaway
The 2026 Grey Squirrel Framework signals a major step forward in protecting UK woodlands, timber resources, and red squirrels. By combining policy, funding, training, and research, it encourages effective, landscape-scale action. Whether you are a landowner, forester, or conservation volunteer, understanding and acting on these changes is now essential.