ATEC is one of Northern Ireland’s leading environmental consultancy firms.
• ATEC carry out Squirrel surveys
Both Red and Grey Squirrels occur in Northern Ireland. Red Squirrels are native to Northern Ireland and live mainly in dense woodland. At one time they were widespread, however, in recent years their numbers have declined and they have been replaced by Grey Squirrels.
Both Red and Grey Squirrels live in ‘dreys’. These are round football sized structures formed from twigs and leaves positioned high in a tree.
The decline in Red Squirrels is thought to be due to a loss of suitable woodland habitat and habitat fragmentation making some areas less suitable for Red Squirrels, thus increasing their vulnerability to displacement by the more aggressive and adaptable Grey Squirrels and to disease.
ATEC will assess the habitats on the site for signs of Red Squirrel activity including the occurrence of a drey or the presence of stripped bark or chewed pine cones.
