Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels want to know about red and grey squirrel sightings across the country during Red Squirrel Awareness Week
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) is calling on the public to get outside, explore nature, and submit their squirrel sightings for this year’s nationwide Great Scottish Squirrel Survey, between 6 – 12 October. This is the biggest squirrel survey in Scotland, and provides incredibly useful information to SSRS partners and stakeholders. This year the survey is sponsored by Trees for Life.
Red squirrels are one of Scotland’s most loved animals, and our only native squirrel species. Once widespread throughout the country, in recent decades red squirrel populations have declined due to their replacement by introduced, non-native grey squirrels which outcompete them for food and habitat, and spread the deadly squirrelpox virus.
SSRS is a partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, working with local communities, landowners, partner organisations and volunteers to protect red squirrels in key priority areas where they are most under threat from greys.
Molly Martin, SSRS Communications and Engagement Officer, Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “Squirrel sightings from the public are a vital tool for our project all year round. Your reports help us track the presence of red and grey squirrels across the country. Our teams on the ground are working to protect native red squirrels in areas where they are at risk of being replaced by greys, so knowing where the public are spotting both species is really important for working out where we can have the most impact.
“The Great Scottish Squirrel Survey is a fantastic opportunity for everyone across Scotland to get involved in a community-wide effort to provide a snapshot of the country’s squirrels. We’d love to know about every squirrel you spot during the week, even if you’re in an area where you only see one species of squirrel.
“Last year over 1,800 people reported more than 2,500 squirrels in just one week. Let’s make this year’s survey even greater!”
Steve Micklewright, Chief Executive at Trees for Life, said: “Red squirrels are one of Scotland’s most iconic species, and they need our help. Trees for Life is delighted to support the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey, as tracking the distribution of both red and grey squirrels is vital for guiding action. The survey greatly helps our own work to create new populations of red squirrels in places where they can thrive. By reporting your sightings, you’ll be directly contributing to efforts that are making a real difference for these much-loved animals.”
Squirrels spotted anywhere in the country, from back gardens to local parks and woodlands, or even busy urban areas, can be reported to SSRS via scottishsquirrels.org.uk/squirrel-sightings. These directly inform conservation action on the ground by helping staff, volunteers and partners understand how the distribution of each species is changing over time, where efforts should be prioritised, and alerting the project to situations where grey squirrels are posing an immediate threat.
Public sightings have helped to shape the project’s work in places such as Aberdeen, where a red squirrel was recently recorded at the city centre’s innermost feederbox, used for monitoring. Thanks to the concerted efforts of project staff, partners and volunteers, Aberdeen residents have been reporting red squirrels in their gardens in increasing numbers.
Several events are running across the country as part of The Great Scottish Squirrel Survey, and the project is also encouraging the public to carry out their own squirrel watches, visit self-guided trails or just notice squirrels while they’re out and about. More information can be found at scottishsquirrels.org.uk/2025-great-scottish-squirrel-survey/
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is a partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.