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 […]
Category: Species and habitats
News: New research underway to trace the steps of urban squirrels
Ground-breaking research which aims to better understand how grey squirrels use the urban environment will take place in Aberdeen this year. The study is led by Dr Louise de Raad, Research Fellow at Inverness College UHI, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, in collaboration with the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Saving […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
News: Appeal to Kincardineshire residents to help protect Aberdeenshire’s red squirrel
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is asking Kincardineshire residents to help protect red squirrel populations by reporting all sightings of red squirrels and their non-native cousin, the grey squirrel. Grey squirrels are known to occur sporadically in low numbers between the Rivers South Esk and North Esk, the latter forming a natural boundary between […]
Reports of suspected squirrelpox near Cardrona
Multiple suspected cases of squirrelpox from Cardrona in the Scottish Borders have been reported to Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels in recent weeks. Sightings and photographs of sick red squirrels, believed to be suffering from squirrelpox, have been reported to us from Cardrona and the surrounding area. While we investigate the situation further, we […]
News: Rare white red squirrel spotted in Tayside
A rare white squirrel has been photographed near Dunkeld in Tayside. Chris Eddington was taken by surprise while having breakfast when he spotted an unfamiliar animal in his garden through the kitchen window. With a camera close at hand, he managed to capture photographs of the visitor. The sighting and photographs were reported […]
Shape up with the squirrel diet plan
Original Author: Stewart Smith – Squirrel Volunteer As we prepare our special flexible-waisted ‘January trousers’ ahead of the Christmas eating onslaught, our favourite redhead has other ideas. Your average adult red squirrel weighs in at a svelte 330 grams. It enjoys regular exercise – scampering and climbing being favourite pursuits. Its slim physique […]