…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… […]
…a designated ‘wildlife corner’. Leaving a patch of your garden to grow wild will benefit all sorts of garden wildlife, including red squirrels. Allow grass and wild plants to establish and grow tall, create hiding places and habitat features with rocks, and leave some logs to decompose to encourage fungi (also part of a red squirrel’s diet). Feed red… […]
…closely. The area around Gatehouse is an important tourist destination, and our publicity emphasises the red squirrels and other wildlife to be seen nearby. The Cally Woods have long been a popular spot, with impressive red squirrel warning signs along the road to the Cally Palace Hotel. The mix of conifers and broadleaved tree species there, along with food provided… […]
…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… […]
…Trust and a team of partners progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date. During the 12-month development phase the countrywide team will develop the methodology for large scale grey squirrel fertility control, plan audience engagement and activity programmes and write a conservation plan. In addition, team members will work together to collect… […]
…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… […]
