Open petition: Give endangered red squirrels the same legal protection as beavers and bats

Created by Marie Carter-Robb
Closes on 26 April 2027

Red squirrels are Endangered in Britain, yet their breeding sites have weaker legal protection than those of beavers, bats or otters. We ask the Government to lay secondary legislation adding red squirrels to Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 in England.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, destroying a red squirrel's drey can be defended as the unavoidable, incidental result of a lawful operation. That defence was removed for bats, dormice and otters in 2007. Natural England projects that, under a “do nothing” scenario, red squirrels will disappear from mainland England within 25 years. Listing would protect breeding and resting sites without proof of intent, while allowing licensed work where there is no satisfactory alternative.

Sign this petition