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 […]

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Coronavirus: annual spring survey cancellation

SSRS squirrel icon

  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 […]

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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. […]

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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 […]

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Remembering Brian Fishwick

The Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrel (SSRS) team are very saddened by the recent passing of Brian Fishwick, SSRS volunteer and founding member of the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group. Described as a ‘leading light’ by his peers, Brian’s enthusiasm and commitment to the cause has been an inspiration to many and instrumental in the ongoing protection […]

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Building a Volunteer Network

  Network groups across South Scotland priority areas are ensuring the long-term survival of native red squirrels through community action. In our project’s priority areas, some of these groups are already beginning to see red squirrel populations bounce back.   Red squirrel groups have been invaluable in collective conservation efforts to date in South Scotland and are led by […]

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Commendation for collaborative conservation efforts in Aberdeen

ALGE Awards Certificate

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels have been working in partnership with Aberdeen City Council to develop strategies for protecting Scotland’s native red squirrels in the North East since the project first began. At the ALGE (Association of Local Government Ecologists) awards in December, this work was acknowledged with a special commendation certificate.     Celebrating ALGE’s 25th […]

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Taking an evidence based approach to practical action

  Dr Jenny Bryce, Scottish Natural Heritage Wildlife Ecologist, discusses how evidence is shaping conservation strategy; reflecting on invasives insights upon the publication of a paper co-written by Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels’ Dr Mel Tonkin.   In July 2017 Mel Tonkin, SSRS Project Manager, presented a paper at the IUCN Island Invasives conference held in […]

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