To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the numbers of red squirrels in Northumberland in (a) 2005, (b) 2006, (c) 2007, (d) 2008, and (e) 2009. [HL3229]

There is no reliable estimate of the red squirrel population because it is very difficult to carry out an accurate census; therefore no assessment has been made of the numbers of red squirrels in Northumberland.

In the areas where red squirrel populations remain, the densities can vary between 1 and 0.1 squirrels per hectare. Numbers are subject to significant fluctuation depending on environmental factors and breeding success.