Scotland’s Red Squirrels

…ears, feet and genitalia. The infected squirrel is very quickly unable to feed properly, and rapidly becomes unwell. Squirrelpox is usually lethal in red squirrels within about 15 days of infection. The virus is already established in south Scotland, and is spreading northwards. It is likely that it will eventually spread through grey squirrel populations further north into the Central… […]

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

…will the Red Squirrel Forum for South Scotland be able to offer independent groups? The Red Squirrel Forum for South Scotland acts as an umbrella organisation for volunteers in all 17 independent groups in the south of Scotland. Their role is primarily to assist with cross collaboration between the groups, and put groups in touch with one another to share… […]

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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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Community Hub FAQs

…Admin can advise, or if in doubt please contact us at squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk Can I set up a joint account on Hub e.g. Mr & Mrs Brown? We advise that you each have you own individual account on Hub, you may have different volunteer roles and we need to sign you up and ensure you are covered under the Trust’s insurance… […]

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

in Scotland The emphasis in the Framework on habitat connectivity is very positive, however connecting habitats will also enhance the ability of grey squirrels and other INNS to spread. Grey squirrel control and monitoring should be considered in the management planning for all of the landscape elements included in the Framework, i.e., Nature Networks, 30 by 30 protected areas, nature… […]

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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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Notice for Spring Survey volunteers

…be donated to a nearby Volunteer Group or you are welcome to use this in your own garden. South East Scotland Guidance and instructions for remaining Spring Survey equipment and supplies will be issued shortly.   If traveling to feeder box locations please adhere to Government guidelines and visit https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/ for the latest information on restrictions in your local area…. […]

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This Year's Sightings