This is Cornwall --One of the country's most high-profile figures for the environment has spoken of the need to protect a nationally endangered species as he visited the Westcountry.
Environment Minister Richard Benyon called for a "sustainable and long term solution" to halt the decline in the country's population of red squirrels during a speech at the University of Exeter.
Mr Benyon urged people to "actively manage the countryside" as he addressed more than 100 delegates at the inaugural international conference on the British species.
"This is something that means an awful lot to me. The red squirrel is one of the most valued species in the natural environment and part of our culture," he said.
The Defra minister gave his backing for a project in Cornwall aimed at reintroducing red squirrels into the wild, but refused to commit any additional Government funding to address the problem.
He said:"We need a sustainable long term solution to reverse the decline. But at a time when Government funding is scarce, there simply isn't the money for targeted red squirrel projects.
"It requires local knowledge and projects, like the only one in Cornwall, which have drawn in a lot of local enthusiasm.
"We need to actively manage the countryside to stop the decline in internationally endangered species and ensure biodiversity for future generations."
Leading national and European figures spoke of their work to prevent the extinction of red squirrels.
Natasha Collings, Cornwall Red Squirrel Project coordinator, told the conference of the aim to release red squirrels to the Lizard and West Penwith.
Charles Dutton, a trustee of the European Squirrel Initiative, said: "This is the Westcountry – doing something about a problem rather than sitting still.
"The ESI started in 2002 as a group of interested parties who wanted to do something. Now we've have regional conference with people from all over Europe.
"We could lecture about the need to help the developing world, but here we have something to sort out on our own doorstep."
The decline is red squirrels is largely caused by habitat destruction and their interaction with grey squirrels. Some 60% of grey squirrels in England and Wales carry the deadly squirrel pox virus.
Mr Benyon added: "If at any stage in trying to achieve your aims you encounter a blockage, my door is always open." Reported by This is 19 hours ago.