In Hereford, grey squirrels are causing serious damage to young trees, according to a Country Diary entry from 11 October 1951. The agricultural committee is offering three cartridges for every grey squirrel tail, but farmers have no time to hunt them.
Farmers lack time to control squirrels
The diary notes that the damage to young trees is serious in some places. The committee's offer of cartridges has little effect because farmers have none to spare for watching squirrels or trading in tails.
The white owl is often seen in the early morning mist, skimming over the grass in search of mice. The big barn is too busy a place for the owl now, with many good ratting cats around.
Red squirrels disappear
The harmless red squirrel has gone from the area. It never seems to survive once grey squirrels become established.
Bumblebees, at least the smaller ones, appear to have a longer working season than honeybees. The English wild bee may be hardier than the Italian bee. The bumblebee moth mimics a bumblebee's appearance but has no sting, and birds seem to avoid it.
The diary also mentions that the rings on a peacock butterfly, seen upside down, may represent eyes on a face that would frighten birds. A foreign moth faithfully represents the eyes, face, and colouring of an owl.
