Squirrelisimo, the rodent who has featured in newspapers, magazines and televisions around the world, could soon be losing his Teddington home as Network Rail carries out planned tree maintenance.
Photographer Max Ellis’s photos have turned the rodent into a celebrity but now his creature's home in Clonmel Road is under threat.
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Mr Ellis said he understands maintenance of the trees overlooking the railway track is necessary but called for a more staggered approach to give the habitats a chance to recover.
He said: "Obviously it has got to be done but when they take out the whole trees it is like destroying a huge wood in one go.
"If they staggered it over a few years this situation wouldn’t occur and the habitats wouldn’t be so disturbed.
"There are owls and bats out there whose homes have just been destroyed."
Going nuts for Halloween last year
Network Rail had left Squirrelisimo’s tree as it is now home to a brood of baby squirrels but it has been earmarked to be cut down soon, according to Mr Ellis.
A spokesman from Network Rail said that in 2013 about 600 trains collided with a fallen tree or large branch, and vegetation management is essential in keeping the tracks safe.
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He said: "We are very aware of the impact that removing trees and vegetation can have on local communities.
"We know that it can come as a shock for people who have become accustomed to lines of trees or hedges near their homes or workplaces.
Tough nut to crack
"But for the safety of our passengers and employees we have no option but to take action to reduce this threat."
He added: "We avoid work at times that will cause harm to, or disturb, nesting animals unless there is a significant and immediate threat to passenger or resident safety."
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Mr Ellis said he was attempting to build a new home for the squirrels but it was proving a challenge.
He said: "Apparently you have to build three, as the mother kicks the dad out and the babies have to go elsewhere as well once they are old enough."
These squirrel puns are doing my nut in. Please send better ones to george.odling@london.newsquest.co.uk
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