King Charles meets scientists in Yorkshire

King Charles on Tuesday met scientists and researchers in Yorkshire as the Patron of The Red Squirrel Survival Trust.

The King travelled to Yorkshire today to learn about an innovative conservation scheme aimed at protecting Britain's native red squirrel population.

During his visit to an Animal and Plant Health Agency facility, the King was introduced to scientists working on a pioneering approach to managing grey squirrel numbers through oral contraceptives.

A statement issued by the royal family said, the "scientists and researchers working on a new oral contraceptive project designed to slow the growth of grey squirrel populations, which threaten both red squirrels and Britain’s native broadleaf woodlands."

It said, "The red squirrel is an endangered species in Britain, despite being the country’s only native squirrel breed."

 "The King, Patron of The Red Squirrel Survival Trust, has long supported efforts to restore the red squirrel population."

The statement added, "His Majesty visited a conservation initiative developed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), which aims to humanely control grey squirrel numbers and support the recovery of the UK’s red squirrel population."