Garden Wildlife UK

News that pine martens have crossed the border south into Northumberland. Great news .

This backs up the verified long-time rumour that they have been in the south Shropshire hills for ..... how long ?? . Also tiny toe-holds in Wales.

So that's all good

That sure is a very exciting news , I'm sure red squirrels too are very pleased with this development

While I am pleased that the nemesis of the Grey Squirrel is expanding it's empire I have a little concern for the other wildlife that make up it's diet.

But the pine marten isn't an introduced species, it's part of a hundreds-of-thousands-of-years balance. Not like grey squirrels, Japanese knotweed and suchlike.

I do feel sorry for grey squirrels though, they did not ask to be brought to this country, and all they did is what they are meant to do which is do their best to survive, and they are hated for it

Placido wrote:But the pine marten isn't an introduced species, it's part of a hundreds-of-thousands-of-years balance. Not like grey squirrels, Japanese knotweed and suchlike.

I understand your point but I'm merely suggesting that when and if they eliminate the Greys they won't move on to pastures new but start tucking into the remaining larder.

I found a small hole had be excavated in my back lawn very much like the ones that are left by squirrels concealing food for winter. I have not seen a Squirrel in the chateau grounds for several years.
PS The hazel is dropping it's nuts at present.

Jacksparrow wrote:I found a small hole had be excavated in my back lawn very much like the ones that are left by squirrels concealing food for winter.

That happens often in my garden, I tell them off if I catch them doing that

Where will it all end ?!?!?!?! Treerats in the hallowed grounds of le chateau ???? Zut alors .

Placido wrote:Where will it all end ?!?!?!?! Treerats in the hallowed grounds of le chateau ???? Zut alors .

Oui,je may aff to borrow le baton scaree