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

…networks will need to have in place their own group insurance to cover activities. The Red Squirrel Forum for South Scotland may be able to put you in touch with other groups who have already arranged this. Important note: Independent groups should register all their members to ensure they are covered by the group’s insurance. Template volunteer registration forms and… […]

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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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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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Scotland’s Red Squirrels

…Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 provides for duty of care for animals in captivity (live-trapped animals). This makes it an offence to inflict, or allow others to inflict, cruelty or abuse on a grey squirrel held captive. The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) makes it illegal to release, or allow to escape to the wild, any captive grey squirrel…. […]

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Speaking up for Red Squirrels in the Consultation on Scotland’s Strategic Framework for Biodiversity

…commitment to continue to support and build upon strategies and schemes to protect and expand populations of priority species, and I am pleased to see the red squirrel mentioned in this key action as an example species. It would, however, be good to have more detail on how the government intends to support, fund, and build upon strategies and schemes… […]

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Celebrating a red squirrel champion

…has chaired three region-wide online meetings with almost all the squirrel groups represented. At its inception, the Forum was seen as a vehicle for obtaining grant-funding at scale and for the good of all. This summer Peter spearheaded a successful application to the Red Squirrel Survival Trust to equip any group lacking them with a thermal imaging scope and up… […]

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

…are 18 of these in South Scotland and 1 in Fife. They are always looking for volunteers to join and help with a variety of roles, including grey squirrel monitoring and control. Get in touch with your local group here: https://bit.ly/3OoRt9S We are currently specifically advertising for volunteer grey squirrel dispatchers for the Annandale, Castle Douglas and Solway Forest Red… […]

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Community Hub FAQs

…will accept your request and/or be in touch to discuss. If applicable they will also send you an invite to join the private survey and grey control groups Note: if your local group is not currently operating independently from SSRS, you may still be required to join the SSRS volunteering group and enter your details as prompted. Your group’s Hub… […]

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Activities

…squirrels are great fun to make and you get to play with them afterwards! To get started you’ll need plain flour, salt, water, a baking tray lined with baking paper, an oven or airing cupboard, paintbrushes, acrylic paint and varnish. An adult will need to help younger children with parts of this activity. Follow the link below for our easy… […]

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This Year's Sightings