If you are volunteering your time to help with grey squirrel control in your local patch, you might feel like your efforts are a drop in the ocean. But stay connected with the project and you’ll see the difference we can make when we all work together.
The greatest threat to the red squirrel’s future in Scotland is the spread of grey squirrels. Classified as an invasive non-native species, it is widely acknowledged that targeted, landscape-scale grey squirrel population control is essential if we want to reverse the decline of Scotland’s red squirrels. It’s a huge undertaking, but fortunately there are many passionate and experienced landowners and individuals volunteering to do their bit across priority areas.
At Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels we understand that our decision to control grey squirrels comes with great responsibility, not just to ensure that all our staff and volunteers are acting legally but also safely and humanely. This is why the Standard Operating Procedures for everyone who traps on our behalf go beyond the legal minimum.
If you are a grey squirrel control volunteer you’ll have received a copy of this protocol as part of your training, alongside all other essential health & safety documentation. It’s a good idea to look over these regularly, and the easiest way to keep up-to-date is by joining the SSRS Community Hub. There you’ll find all the latest versions of grey squirrel control documentation, as well as useful tips from experienced staff.
By joining the Hub you’ll also have the ability to share your squirrel data with us quickly and easily, and view results from across the country. It’s a great way to stay connected with the project and see how our combined efforts are saving Scotland’s red squirrels.