Our Partners & Funders
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust in partnership with NatureScot, Scottish Forestry, RSPB Scotland, Scottish Land & Estates, Forestry and Land Scotland, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, and Aberdeen City Council. The project is supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot, along with project partners.
The partnership is also supported by an extensive network of over 500 landowners covering well over 4,000 square kilometres. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is grateful to all the organisations, trusts and individuals who help make our work possible.
The Trust champions red squirrels through its policy and campaigning work, and has made a long-term commitment to red squirrel conservation since 2009. It is the lead partner and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the project. NatureScot is Scotland’s nature agency. Responding to the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, we work to protect and restore nature by inspiring everyone to value our natural world. Our goal is a nature-rich, net-zero future for Scotland. NatureScot has taken a leading role in red squirrel conservation since the species was first identified as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. NatureScot is a principal funder of the project, and helps ensure that the project works within national strategic aims. Scottish Forestry is the Scottish Government agency responsible for forestry policy, support and regulation. It is a principle project funder and plays an important role in helping red squirrels thrive in Scotland. Scottish Land and Estates is playing a key role in supporting a prosperous and sustainable future for rural Scotland, delivering benefits for all. We do this by championing and supporting rural businesses that provide economic, social and environmental benefit to the countryside. We are a membership organisation for landowners, rural businesses and rural professionals. Our members represent a diverse community which is passionate about promoting rural Scotland, and we’ve acted as their voice for nearly 120 years. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels works closely with landowners, and SL&E actively promotes the project to its members. Through its many stakeholder groups and networks, it is also helping to ensure continued Government funding for red squirrel conservation. Forestry and Land Scotland is the Scottish Government agency responsible for managing Scotland’s national forests and land in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their role as leaders of Sustainable Forest Management and Sustainable Development through their stewardship of the national forests and land. Forestry and Land Scotland funds the work of Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels in and around Scotland’s national forests in Aberdeenshire, Tayside and Southern Scotland. RSPB Scotland is part of the RSPB, the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, protecting habitats, saving species, and helping to end the nature and climate emergency. For over a century we’ve acted for nature through practical conservation and powerful partnerships, campaigning and influence, and inspiring and empowering millions of people, including almost 1.2 million members. Our network of over 200 nature reserves sits at the heart of our world-leading science and conservation delivery. Nature is in crisis, but together we can save it. RSPB Scotland is a principal project partner and funder, and brings extensive experience in the challenges of long-term species conservation. It is helping to engage more people in red squirrel conservation and is providing a home for red squirrels on many of its nature reserves. The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Scotland and is part of Transport Scotland’s commitment to improving travel in the north east. The project is being delivered by Transport Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government and in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council and helps to fund essential annual surveying and monitoring efforts in Aberdeen City and wider North East Scotland. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park was created in July 2002 to safeguard an area of outstanding and diverse landscapes, habitats and communities, parts of which were coming under severe visitor and recreational pressures. The National Park Authority aims to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage, promote the sustainable use of the natural resources of the area, promote understanding and enjoyment (including enjoyment in the form of recreation) of the special qualities of the area by the public, and promote sustainable social and economic development of the communities of the area. 
The Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund is a commitment in the current Programme for Government for multi-year funding as part of overall investment in the natural economy. The £65 million fund, which includes direct funding to local authorities as part of the Edinburgh Process, is a key part of the Bute House Agreement and multi-year funding across this parliament was announced on Nature Day at COP26 in 2021. NatureScot manages the competitive element of the fund, which specifically encourages applicants with projects that restore wildlife and habitats on land and sea and address the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.
For over 60 years, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has worked with its members, partners and supporters in pursuit of its vision of healthy, resilient ecosystems across Scotland’s land and seas. The Trust manages a network of 100 wildlife reserves across Scotland and is a member of the UK-wide Wildlife Trusts movement.
