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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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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A lucky escape!

…the squirrel as prey, or perhaps there were mice or voles in amongst the bait and out of site of the camera. Fascinating stuff either way, and presumably a pretty rare encounter! Tawny owls are well monitored in the UK and I suspect if red squirrels popped up in their diet it would be reported, simply out of interest. There… […]

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Community Hub FAQs

…Officer or squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk if needed Can the Hub be used from a mobile? Yes, when connected to WiFi or data roaming, all the usual functionalities of the Hub work on a mobile, including viewing your sightings or reporting a new one, and inputting your data. Volunteer FAQs How do I sign up as a volunteer on the Hub? SSRS volunteers… […]

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Call for Scots to become a nation of squirrel spotters this Red Squirrel Week

…and supporters can connect with other red squirrel enthusiasts in their area.” Autumn is a very busy time of year for red squirrels as they take advantage of the season’s bountiful supply of nuts, seeds, berries and fungi; making it an ideal time for squirrel sightings. As well as looking up to the treetops to spot squirrels, people should also… […]

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Looking for signs of squirrels this September

…prints – here’s an example of squirrel prints seen in winter snow. © Victoria McNamara   While you are out walking, if you see a feeder box this could also be a sign that squirrels are in the area. Each year, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels run a Spring Survey in targeted areas to research red and grey populations.   If… […]

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This Year's Sightings