AN organisation representing landowners, farmers and rural businesses has reiterated its call for the relicensing of a method to control grey squirrels.

CLA South East has backed a stronger approach to the control of grey squirrels announced in the Government’s new policy and action plans tackling the pest in England’s wooded areas.

But the organisation is calling for the reintroduction of Warfarin, a poison used in bait to control the grey squirrel population.

It says it will continue to work with the Forestry Commission, Natural England, and other private partners to action the control policy.

CLA director south east Robin Edwards said: “Grey squirrels cause millions of pounds of damage to vital woodland across the country. The action plan is a positive step forward and must assist in getting government and landowners working together to make a real and lasting difference.

“However, the action plan is hampered by the failure to reverse the decision to ban the use of Warfarin. Warfarin is by far the most effective tool in controlling grey squirrels and we will continue to press for its reintroduction.”