Great Scottish Squirrel Survey 2021: the results

…the opportunity to get to know their local patch of nature. However, clearly many people have caught the squirrel-spotting bug as we have still received more than 13,000 sightings to our website so far this year. Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in our citizen science campaign, and to all the organisations, community groups and volunteers… […]

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Vital protections for red squirrels at risk

…outlining the concerns and requesting a public consultation. A public consultation would enable our volunteers, supporters and everyone who cares about Scotland’s wildlife to join us in expressing their views. You can read the letter here.   Update from JNCC on 27 July 2021   Update 13 September 2021 The Scottish Wildlife Trust has lodged a question with Alexander Burnett… […]

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North East Scotland

2021, we have recruited more than 50 local volunteers who carry out frequent intensive surveys of all squirrel suitable habitat in Aberdeen city and its environs. Award winners – In November 2014, the project was joint winner (alongside our partners Aberdeen City Council) in the coveted ‘Species Champion’ category at the Nature of Scotland Awards. The award recognised the project’s… […]

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News: The Great Scottish Squirrel Survey returns in an important year for squirrel sightings

…project’s spring surveys in both 2020 and 2021. These annual systematic surveys, which used baited squirrel-hair sampling boxes at over 200 specific locations, provided robust distribution data for both red and grey squirrels that was invaluable for comparing the fortunes of squirrels from year-to-year. Project Manager Dr Mel Tonkin said: “Without the spring survey data, we need the help of… […]

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Squirrel Sightings: an inside look

  We are fast approaching the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey 2021, and following last year’s fantastic response we are really looking forward to seeing this year’s results. For those who haven’t participated before, the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey is a week-long event in September when we call on the general public to keep an eye out for red and grey… […]

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Coronavirus: Phased restart of SSRS outdoor volunteer work

…will need to be taken. Before resuming activities, please contact your local Conservation Officer to discuss news ways of working and review our new risk assessment for outdoor volunteers. Surveying & monitoring The annual SSRS Spring Survey remains cancelled until its return in spring 2021, however we aim to restart supplementary squirrel monitoring activities once SSRS offices reopen. This will… […]

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Notice for Spring Survey volunteers

…the challenges of the pandemic, it has been decided that the Spring Survey will not be returning in 2021 due to the uncertainty of ongoing restrictions. With an incomplete dataset from this year’s survey, an annual Spring Survey Report for 2020 will not be produced, however we will aim to make use of returned samples where possible. Please see the… […]

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News: Report details red squirrel conservation successes, with key recommendations for the iconic species’ long-term future in Scotland.

…in range and density partially due to over 70 homes hosting grey squirrel traps in their gardens. Additionally, the wider Scottish public contributed via the annual Great Scottish Squirrel Survey, with an average of over 1800 squirrel sightings reported between 2019 and 2021. With only a year left in the current two-year Transition Phase of Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, the… […]

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SSRS Knowledge Fair

SSRS Knowledge Fair: celebrating five years of developing community action   3-4 December 2021 As our ‘Developing Community Action’ phase comes to an end we will be celebrating all the project has achieved alongside our partners, volunteers, landowners and supporters. This virtual Knowledge Fair will also provide an opportunity to learn more about red squirrel conservation work happening across Scotland… […]

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This Year's Sightings