Back in September we asked the Scottish public once again to get outdoors, enjoy nature and keep an eye out for both red and grey squirrels during National Red Squirrel Week. Sightings were reported on the SSRS website and each one was individually verified. Now we are delighted to report that the results are […]
Category: Blog
Can red squirrels weather the storm?
Stormy weather has hit Scotland hard in recent weeks, causing severe hardship to many and devastation to some of our native and commercial woodlands. While the safety of our staff and volunteers is always our top priority, it’s not surprising that many people have been in touch with us to ask “how are the […]
Cally Gardens Wildlife Hide is now open!
Since way back in 2019 there has been a plan to build a hide from which we could watch and photograph woodland wildlife near Gatehouse. Finally, this mission has been accomplished with a launch event held in Cally Woods on Wednesday 10 November. This project has been led by the Gatehouse Squirrel Group, and […]
Grey squirrel control: connecting the dots
If you are volunteering your time to help with grey squirrel control in your local patch, you might feel like your efforts are a drop in the ocean. But stay connected with the project and you’ll see the difference we can make when we all work together. The greatest threat to the red […]
Squirrel Sightings: an inside look
We are fast approaching the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey 2021, and following last year’s fantastic response we are really looking forward to seeing this year’s results. For those who haven’t participated before, the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey is a week-long event in September when we call on the general public to keep an eye […]
New threat to Perthshire’s red squirrels as greys reappear in Aberfeldy
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is urging locals to be on high alert and report sightings of grey squirrels in Aberfeldy, following worrying reports in recent days. Known as a safe haven for red squirrels, grey squirrels are not typically seen in the Aberfeldy area. The main threat to the red squirrel’s future in Scotland […]
Studying the life of the urban red squirrel
Kat Fingland joined SSRS in May 2021 as the new Conservation Officer for South West Scotland. Prior to starting the role, she has spent the past five years researching the red squirrels of Formby, Merseyside, for her PhD at Nottingham Trent University, studying how red squirrels have adapted to live alongside people in urban […]
Vital protections for red squirrels at risk
The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) is an important piece of UK-wide legislation that protects some of our most vulnerable species, including red squirrels. Under Schedule 5 of this law it is illegal to intentionally kill, harm or disturb a red squirrel; a vital asset in our efforts to save them. A review […]
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 […]
Squirrelpox: Staying ahead of the spread
Squirrelpox has posed a threat to native red squirrels in southern Scotland since the mid 2000s, and whilst targeted grey squirrel control efforts have been proven to slow the spread of the virus, they cannot prevent its spread – it is therefore important to be vigilant, informed and well prepared. Today we’re taking a […]