West Suffolk Council responds to concern over ‘massive cull’ of squirrels and birds at Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds
A council has addressed concerns about a ‘massive cull’ of squirrels and birds at a town’s popular gardens.
A letter was sent to SuffolkNews’ sister title the Bury Free Press from a reader with their concerns for the wildlife in Bury St Edmunds’ Abbey Gardens.
However, West Suffolk Council said the numbers of grey squirrels have been kept under control for decades through the use of humane and professional pest contractors.
In her letter, E M Barber-Lomax said: “To my horror I have found out that there has been a massive cull of the squirrels and birds both of which are enjoyed by thousands.
“The ducks were removed some years ago with the river fenced off.
“Do we really want a sanitised park?
“I go to the gardens most days and it was always a joy to watch the delight of children and adults alike interacting with the wildlife.
“What next? A disinfectant foot bath to be used by everyone!! Wildlife has a right to live on this land. This is shocking.”
In response, a council spokesperson said: “Grey squirrels cause damage to other species of animals and wildlife in the vicinity.
“The numbers of this invasive species in the Abbey Gardens have been kept under control for decades through the use of humane and professional pest contractors.
“Grey squirrels cause damage to trees such as beech, oak and chestnut. They strip bark at the base of trees which causes them to weaken and eventually to die.
“Grey squirrels also raid birds’ nests to prey on eggs and fledglings, damage plants and flowerbeds, destroying bulbs and seeds.
“Around five squirrels are removed by our pest contractor at any one time and approximately the same number of feral pigeons which can carry disease and also cause a health hazard through their droppings.
“We have not removed the ducks, nor are we removing wildlife but we are controlling the numbers of pests to ensure the success of other flora and fauna.
“This is how the park has been managed for decades which is why people are still able today to enjoy the gardens, the plants, flowers, trees and wildlife within.”