March 5, 2026, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

South West Grey Squirrel Summit

Hosted by RFS SW Divisions, in partnership with UK Squirrel Accord, the Grey Squirrel Summit will showcase the latest innovations and practical solutions for tackling grey squirrel damage and supporting healthy, resilient forests.

Longdown Village Hall and The Perridge Estate, Longdown, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7SN

The Grey Squirrel Summit will showcase the latest innovations and practical solutions for tackling grey squirrel damage and supporting healthy, resilient forests.

Hear from leading experts, connect with fellow landowners, foresters, and estate managers, and discover how collaborative action can protect trees, and create real change on the ground. Don’t miss this opportunity to be informed, inspired, and involved in the future of woodland management.

This event is brought to you by the RFS South Western and Somerset & Dorset Divisions in partnership with  UK Squirrel Accord.

Lunch – A light lunch will be provided.

Price – This event is £10.00 for RFS members / £20.00 Non members

Please note: You will need your membership number to obtain your discount. Card payment is by PayPal but you do not need a PayPal account to use it, check out as a guest.

 


Outline for the day

 

Presentation

Speaker

The problem with grey squirrels Woodland resilience Jon Burgess – Resilience Officer, Forestry Commission
Growing broadleaves Charles Dutton FICFor – Forestry Consultant, Dorset
Panel discussion and questions
Methods of control Controlling grey squirrels, including goshawks and pine martens Simon Major – Forestry and Aboricultural Consultant, Exeter
The Norbury Trap Prof. Jo Bradwell FICFor- Owner Norbury Park
Panel discussion and questions
New solutions? Gene Drive and the Financial Impact of Squirrels Graham Taylor MBE, FICFor – European Squirrel Initiative
Fertility control and the UK Squirrel Accord Kay Haw – Director, UK Squirrel Accord
Panel discussion and questions
Buffet lunch  
Site visit The Perridge Estate Chris Marrow – Forestry Agent