In April, the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies confirmed the first death of a red squirrel from the squirrelpox virus north of Scotland’s Central Belt, having conducted tests on a dead squirrel found near Dunfermline in Fife. Squirrelpox is a virus carried by grey squirrels which, whilst not affecting them, […]
Category: Appeals and campaigns
News: First death of red squirrel from squirrelpox virus confirmed north of Scotland’s Central Belt
The first identified death of a red squirrel from squirrelpox virus north of Scotland’s Central Belt has been confirmed on the outskirts of Dunfermline, Fife. This news could have serious consequences for the area’s red squirrel populations, and people living in the region are urged to remain vigilant. The case was confirmed via post-mortem […]
Speaking up for Red Squirrels in the Consultation on Scotland’s Strategic Framework for Biodiversity
The Scottish Government recently launched a consultation on tackling the nature emergency and are seeking public feedback by 14 December. This is one of the biggest proposals for high level policy changes ever seen in Scotland, and responding is an action open to everyone which could make a fundamental difference to the future of […]
News: Get squirrel spotting during the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey next week!
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is calling on members of the public to take part in the nationwide Great Scottish Squirrel Survey now taking place between 10-16 October (National Red Squirrel Week). Now in its fourth year, the squirrel spotting campaign is hoping to build on the previous successes of this important effort. Saving Scotland’s Red […]
News: Help stop the spread of grey squirrels in the Mearns
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is appealing for help to stop the spread of grey squirrels into the Mearns region of Aberdeenshire. Recently a number of grey squirrels have been found north of the River North Esk in areas including Marykirk, St Cyrus and Benholm. Without urgent action, local red squirrel populations in the […]
One small step for Perthshire’s reds
Regular readers of our blog will remember that last July we raised concerns about the security of Highland Perthshire’s native red squirrels following sightings reports from Pitlochry and Aberfeldy of their non-native cousin, the grey squirrel. Local people heard our appeals for help and we can now report on progress to date, including our […]
News: Take part in Scotland’s largest squirrel survey this month
Red Squirrel Week (21-27 September) marks the return of Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrel’s Great Scottish Squirrel Survey; a nationwide squirrel spotting campaign that has an even greater role to play in the protection of Scotland’s native red squirrels than ever. The impact of Covid-19 saw the suspension of many conservation activities throughout spring […]
News: Perthshire residents on red alert after grey squirrel sightings in Aberfeldy
Following a report of two grey squirrels in Aberfeldy, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels are asking Perthshire residents in the Aberfeldy, Dunkeld and Pitlochry areas to be on high alert. Locals are urged to report all sightings of grey squirrels to help protect Perthshire’s red squirrel populations. Over the last week, two sightings of […]
Survey Season Approaches….
Original Author: Steve Willis The big focus for the SSRS team now is the annual spring survey. So the festivities of Christmas and the New Year are behind us now and it’s back to the grind stone for the team at SSRS. Grey squirrel control is underway in most areas and a key task […]
Cycling for Squirrels
Original Author: Ken Neil Tayside PO PO Ken Neil is getting on his bike to cycle fifty miles from Glasgow to Edinburgh and raise funds for the project. You can cheer him on by making a donation. Cycling for squirrels – not a handbook for greys to help them get “on their bikes” but your friendly […]