…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… […]
…work would not be possible without the assistance of landowners, who are often extremely keen to get red squirrels returned to their land. Firstly, the proposed reintroduction area must be assessed for suitability of red squirrels, such as forest cover, species and connectivity. Stakeholders and the wider community are consulted as much as possible and are often involved in monitoring… […]
…groups should first and foremost refer to their network trainer (if they have one) and then the Forum offers and needs chart for training in grey squirrel dispatch and set up of trap loans. In the next instance until end-Sept SSRS staff may be able to assist, dependent on area and availability. Squirrelpox outbreaks: In the case of squirrelpox outbreaks… […]
…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… […]
…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… […]
We are now one year into our 2022-24 Transition Project, and there have been a fair few changes here at Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels! In our first staffing update of the new phase we are please to (re)introduce all our staff across the country, and give an overview as to our roles and activities within the project at this critical… […]
…Squirrel Groups. We are looking for people who are local to these areas, enthusiastic about protecting red squirrels, with training or experience in humane animal dispatch. You can find out more and apply here: https://bit.ly/3MBi4z4 Become a dispatcher in the Argyll, Trossachs or Stirlingshire: We are currently looking for volunteer Grey Squirrel Dispatchers in this area, where we are… […]
…In 2018 Peter was asked by SSRS to found the Red Squirrel Forum for South Scotland as the umbrella organisation run by volunteers for all the volunteers in the squirrel groups and networks (now 18 with around 350 members) in South Scotland. The Forum acts as a bridge with other red squirrel organisations in the UK, helping to keep the… […]
…woodland habitat. Grey squirrel contraception is the subject of research, as is the development of a squirrelpox vaccine. However, these are a long way from being ready for use and may be insufficient on their own. There are suggestions that in the future Scotland’s recovering pine martens could also play a role in controlling grey squirrel numbers in some areas…. […]
…of Conservation at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the lead partner on the project, said “It’s fantastic to see the successes for red squirrels in Scotland due to the exceptional work put in by staff, landowners, and volunteers. It is essential now to recognise that this work needs to continue, and the recommendations detailed in the report are inputted into the… […]
