Red squirrels have come on leaps and bounds on the Argaty Estate near Doune in Stirling. In today’s guest blog, Tom Bowser of Argaty Red Kites reflects on a journey of red squirrel recovery and some unforgettable milestone moments. I can still remember my first childhood sighting of a red squirrel on Argaty. […]
Category: Blog
Introducing the newest faces of our scurry
2020 was a year of change for many, and for Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, we were fortunate enough to welcome in new members of the team while overcoming the challenges of covid-19. Having worked from home since starting their roles, we wanted to take the opportunity to bring forward the newest faces of SSRS […]
Celebrating a red squirrel champion
Dr Peter Garson, Chair of the Gatehouse Squirrel Group, has been recognised as this year’s Species Champion in the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Trustees’ Awards for Volunteering. Giuliana Sinclair, Community Engagement Officer for South West Scotland discusses how this award not only celebrates Peter’s immense dedication and drive but also stands as an inspiration to […]
Three creative ways to go squirrel spotting this Red Squirrel Week
National Red Squirrel Awareness Week is a time for one of our favourite activities – squirrel spotting. Our Great Scottish Squirrel Survey is a fun opportunity for all the family to enjoy the great outdoors looking out for tufted ears and bushy tails, so why not get creative with how you’ll be taking part […]
Keeping track of red squirrel numbers in gardens around Gatehouse of Fleet
During the Covid-19 lockdown in Galloway, members of the Squirrel Group in and around Gatehouse of Fleet have continued to monitor their local red squirrel population from the comfort of their own homes and gardens. Peter Garson tells us all about a garden count scheme which just keeps on running. Seeing red squirrels […]
New PARC boundaries ensure conservation efforts stay one step ahead
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels has adjusted its Priority Areas for Red Squirrel Conservation (PARCs) in the south of Scotland to better protect existing populations of red squirrels. PARCs were first introduced in 2014, as a new approach to red squirrel conservation action in southern Scotland aimed at targeting limited project resources to the […]
A year of saving red squirrels in East Wigtownshire
For Volunteers’ Week, David Miller, Chair of the East Wigtownshire Red Squirrel Group reflects on the group’s experiences one year after its formation. Established in 2019, the aim of the group is to protect the red squirrels of the River Cree catchment and the Machars Peninsula. Although red squirrels are still thriving in the […]
Coronavirus: annual spring survey cancellation
Following last month’s suspension of all SSRS outdoor volunteer work in light of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the decision has been made to cancel the project’s annual survey which takes place in Spring. After careful consideration, it has been decided that the 2020 annual Spring Survey will not continue after lockdown restrictions are […]
Red squirrels and biosecurity
Professor Ronald J Roberts, Chairman of Bradan Biosecurity, discusses the importance of strong biosecurity protocols and how they can protect Scotland’s red squirrels from the threat of squirrelpox. He is a veterinary surgeon who has personally been involved in the development and testing of Virkon ®S, a broad-spectrum disinfectant, for the last 20 years. […]
Suspected squirrelpox cases on the Solway Coast
Two suspected cases of squirrelpox are being investigated in the Auchencairn and Sandyhills regions of the Solway Coast in Dumfries and Galloway. Following the retrieval of a sick red squirrel believed to be suffering from squirrelpox by the SSPCA from Auchencairn last week and the sighting of another red squirrel showing squirrelpox symptoms […]