New Frontiers for Volunteers

…as a field technician and research assistant studying rodent populations and testing two methods for controlling the plague (Yersinia pestis) a.k.a. Black Death. There I gained a lot of hands-on experience trapping and handling rats, mice, squirrels and chipmunks, as well as the odd striped and spotted skunks (striped skunk below). Next, after 2 and a half years away I… […]

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A lucky escape!

…would be reported, simply out of interest. There can’t be that much overlap between the strictly diurnal (active in daylight) red squirrel and the generally nocturnal tawny owl. Perhaps this owl was feeding young and was desperate for food! Anyway, the red squirrel lived to fight another day which is good, and we wish that feisty tawny owl well too!… […]

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Community Hub FAQs

…folder. How do I change my password? 1. Click ‘My Account’ and then select ‘My Profile’ from the dropdown: 2. Once you are in your profile, click the ‘Settings’ tab and enter your current password followed by a new password of your choosing: How do I update my profile? 1. Click ‘My Account’ and then select ‘My Profile’ from the… […]

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All things invasive with the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative

…staggering 94% decline in native water vole populations? The American skunk-cabbage plant does actually smell as bad as a skunk….   White butterburr was imported as a garden ornamental from mainland Europe and SW Asia and escaped into the wild.   What is an Invasive Species? There are around 2,000 non-native plants and animals in the UK, these non-native species… […]

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An Autumn Overview of Tree ID

…as the pine needles are soft if you run your hand over them. Also, the cones are described as large cigars. Douglas Fir is remembered as “groovy Dougie” as the bark is really grooved. And Scots Pine, as the bark is red towards the top, is remembered for its ginger resemblance like all things truly Scottish – including our native… […]

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Argaty Red Kites celebrate their other star species with a new red squirrel hide

…their old territories. The Argaty Red Kite project has also played an important role, installing red squirrel nest boxes and supporting our population monitoring work. The fact that Argaty now has a strong and secure enough red squirrel population to invest in a dedicated hide is hugely encouraging, and a perfect example of how red squirrel conservation benefits both people… […]

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This Year's Sightings