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 […]
Category: Tips and advice
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. […]
To feed or not to feed?
Original Author: Alexa Seagrave We often get asked about feeding red squirrels, and the very best thing you can do is make your garden as wildlife friendly as possible. Planting native shrubs and small trees for berries and nuts will provide the best natural food for free and give the best nutrition. So get out […]
Seeing Red
Original Author: Steve Willis, Project Officer Northeast Scotland Some lucky folk out there see red squirrels all the time- so here’s some top tips on key things to report back to us at SSRS. We are forever banging on about the need for Scotland’s squirrel enthusiasts to report their sightings of red and grey […]
Spotting the elusive Scottish Red Squirrel
Original Author: Lorna Hutchison If you’ve yet to set eyes on a Scottish Red Squirrel, here’s a wee guide to help increase your chances! Go north. Or south. Those of us living in the densely populated central belt have a choice to make. There are populations of red squirrels in the Borders and Dumfries […]
The Do’s and Don’t’s of Feeding Squirrels
Original Author: Steve Willis, Project Officer Northeast Scotland Do you regularly feed red squirrels? Read on for a few top tips on best practise from the team at SSRS. Everyone loves seeing red squirrels, and countless lucky souls across Scotland are in the enviable position of having red squirrels visit their gardens on a […]
Who’s who? A guide to squirrel ID
Original Author: Emma Rawling, Project Officer for South West Scotland How many different red squirrels are visiting your garden, park or wood? Have you ever tried to distinguish and identify them? Well, here’s how you can – why not give it a try this winter? How many different red squirrels are visiting your […]