Scotland’s Red Squirrels

…only at certain times of year. Feeding stations can also create a higher risk of disease spreading from one animal to another, including the squirrelpox virus. It is therefore very important that feeding equipment is regularly disinfected with an anti-viral solution (for example Virkon S). If you live in an area where red squirrels are present, and grey squirrels begin… […]

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Q&A with Sarah Woodfin, Project Manager with Trees for Life’s Red Squirrel Reintroduction Project

…in ecology and a masters in conservation biology and most of my work and interests have been with small mammal ecology and conservation. I have worked with a range of animals, from native mice and voles to species of rabbit found in south-east Asia. I began working with red squirrels in 2019 as a monitoring and control officer for the… […]

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Celebrating a red squirrel champion

…Alert North-East campaign coordinated by Northumberland Wildlife Trust. Coincidentally I was also involved for many years in running a voluntary international network, the IUCN Specialist Group for Pheasants and other gamebirds (around 300 species worldwide, of which 25% are on the Red List and threatened with extinction). As a university academic, I loved to hate committees, but I got plenty… […]

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North East Volunteer Spotlight: Celebrating our volunteer Janice Drew as she moves on to pastures new!

…SSRS. It has been rewarding in so many ways and a privilege to be part of the well organised and dedicated squirrel squad here in the north east.”   If you are interested in assisting in red squirrel conservation activities in your local area, there are lots of ways to get involved!   Join a volunteer Red Squirrel Group: There… […]

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Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels: the next steps in South Scotland

…funds ring-fenced within the bank account of a local Community Initiative); Or the group is operating under a local community trust, similar organisation, or other independent structure (i.e. as a Community Interest Company).   Will my network need to arrange its own insurance from April 2024? Members of independent networks will no longer be registered Trust volunteers and therefore all… […]

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VolunteerFAQs

…primarily to assist with cross collaboration between the groups, and put groups in touch with one another to share skills, experiences, and advice. Examples include help with bank accounts, running of and materials for events and engagement activities, and assistance with fundraising. Please refer to the Forum ‘Offers and Needs’ chart in the first instance, available on the Hub Volunteer… […]

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Get Involved

…in Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels priority areas, subject to availability. There are a number of ways to get involved at different stages of the process. All our volunteers are provided with the support and training they need to participate. Live in the south of Scotland? You may be able to arrange a trap-loan directly via your local volunteer network. Visit […]

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Activities

…a piece of nature indoors with these fun filled squirrel themed activities. Get crafty with everyday materials from around your home, or explore your garden or local patch with a scavenger hunt challenge. Get started by selecting an activity type from the list below, following links for instructions, worksheets and printouts.   Crafts Make your own squirrel Not been able… […]

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South Scotland

…grey squirrel control in key areas. Join a Local Group   Achievements to date Increase in grey squirrel control – Analysis of trapping results has shown an increase in grey squirrel detection, largely due to the increase in control activity across the region by volunteers and landowners, with volunteer cull contributions rising from 1.3% to 27% in the last four… […]

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Community Hub FAQs

…volunteer network in the south of Scotland please liaise with your group coordinator to discuss insurance. Volunteer Network FAQs Can I join my local group without signing up as a volunteer? Yes, you can join your local group without registering as a SSRS volunteer and/or joining the SSRS volunteering group on the Hub. Your network admin can then invite you… […]

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This Year's Sightings