RSPP chairman Lord Redesdale said: "It was obvious gaps created by clearing woods in south Northumberland could be quickly filled from the south so the team is now operating in County Durham to prevent this.

"This is a military-style operation, focusing on one wood at a time then after that is cleared the team moves to the next target.

"We aim to push as far south as possible, although that will depend on future funding."

Traps baited with hazelnuts are positioned after initial checks are carried out in specific areas to establish where greys are feeding.

Numbers of native red squirrels have dwindled since greys were introduced in the 19th Century and rapidly dominated food supplies and habitats.

The larger North American squirrels also carry a pox which is fatal to reds.

This is, indeed, the very same threat that the  indigenous white folks of this land face from mass immigration, yet we aren't even allowed to talk about that!!!