Original Author: Dr Stephanie Johnstone One month on, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels believe that the squirrelpox outbreak in Heathhall no longer poses an immediate threat to the local red squirrel population. However, we still need ongoing support from volunteers and the wider community. Spotting a red squirrel on your morning walk should be something […]
Category: Archived Posts
Suspected Squirrelpox outbreak near Dumfries threatens local red squirrel population
Original Author: Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels has received multiple reports of red squirrels with suspected Squirrelpox virus in Heathall Forest on the outskirts of Dumfries. Locals are urged to remain vigilant as this fatal disease could have serious consequences for the local red squirrel population. Within the past fortnight, several […]
Invasive Species Week: the road to recovery
The grey squirrel is one of the country’s most widely recognised animals, but not everyone knows that it is a non-native species. As 23 – 29 March is ‘Invasive Species Week’, we reflect on the progress that’s been made in managing and preventing the negative impact of grey squirrels on their native counterparts in Scotland. […]
Spring into survey time
Original Author: Alexa Seagrave It’s February and preparations are well underway for the 2018 squirrel survey. Conservation Officer Alexa Seagrave explains what the survey is all about and why spring is such a great time to get outdoors and look for squirrels. Last week we published the results of our 2017 squirrel survey, with […]
2017 squirrel survey reveals Scotland’s red squirrels are holding on strong
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels has published the results of its 2017 annual survey, which indicate that overall Scotland’s red squirrel populations have stabilised, with significant gains in the North East. © Raymond Leinster Since 2011, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels has been monitoring squirrel populations in the parts of the country where red squirrels […]
How clean are your feeders?
Original Author: Gill Hatcher It’s the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend. Are your feeders filled up and ready to go? Once the fun is over, why not be a hero for nature and give them a good spring clean. You’ll be helping to keep your furry (and feathered) garden visitors happy and healthy. […]
Volunteer to help red squirrels in 2018
As 2017 comes to a close, many of us are beginning to think about what kind of year we would like the next one to be. Why not make 2018 the year you take action for your local wildlife? © Steve Gardner We couldn’t protect Scotland’s red squirrels without all the support we receive […]
A red squirrel treasure hunt
Original Author: Gill Hatcher Did you ever pick up pinecones when you were little? Maybe you still do! Here at Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels we’re always keeping one eye to the ground, because even when red squirrels are being elusive, they might be leaving clues behind. Red squirrels have surprisingly varied diets. They love […]
New sightings signal red squirrels’ return to Aberdeen city parks and gardens
For the first time in many years, red squirrels have been spotted at Aberdeen’s James Hutton Institute and near the University of Aberdeen— a promising sign that this charismatic species is making a comeback in the city. © Raymond Leinster There have been three significant red squirrel sightings in recent weeks: one on the […]
Local update: getting into the squirrel spirit
Original Author: Mary-Anne Collis Conservation Officer Mary-Anne Collis gives us an update on what’s been happening in Argyll, Trossachs and Stirlingshire. We’ve been very busy in the Argyll, Trossachs and Stirlingshire region this year. I’ve been on a personal mission to say hello to as many people as possible, spreading the word about submitting […]