Welcome to the Kinross-shire Regional Network Group
Here in Kinross-shire, we’re lucky to have pockets of woodland that still provide a home for the native red squirrel. These beautiful and now threatened animals can be spotted around Loch Leven, across the wooded slopes of Cleish and Rumbling Bridge, and in shelter belts and estate woodlands near Kinross, Milnathort, and Glenvale. They’re shy creatures, so keep an eye on the canopy and listen for rustling pine cones or sharp chatter above!
The Kinross-shire Red Squirrel Group was established in 2025 as part of the Eastern Lowlands Red Squirrel Group (ELRSG) network. The group is volunteer-led and works in partnership with local organisations, landowners, and the wider community to help protect and restore red squirrels across the county. Our work includes monitoring and surveying red squirrel populations, carrying out targeted grey squirrel control, and raising awareness through community events, school sessions, and public talks.
Where to Go Red Squirrel Spotting
Red squirrels are most often seen in the woodlands surrounding Loch Leven, particularly along the Heritage Trail, the RSPB Loch Leven Reserve, the Woodland Trust’s Portmoak Moss and around Burleigh Sands and Findatie.
Further north, look for them in Glenvale and Cleish woodlands, while Rumbling Bridge Gorge and Blairadam Forest are great places to try your luck.
Early mornings and calm days are best for spotting squirrels feeding or travelling through the treetops. Please keep dogs under close control and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Help Us Look After Kinross-shire’s Red Squirrels
Report Your Squirrel Sightings
Report sightings of both red and grey squirrels. Your records help us track population changes and target conservation work where it’s most needed.
Take Part in Monitoring
Adopt a woodland transect and help us monitor squirrel activity. This involves walking a marked route several times a year — full training and guidance are provided.
Support Community Events
Join us at local fairs, nature days, and school sessions to help raise awareness about red squirrel conservation and inspire others to get involved.
Landowner Involvement
If you manage woodland, we can advise on grey squirrel control and habitat management to support red squirrel populations. Collaboration is key to protecting our native species.
Feeding and Grey Squirrel Control
If you live in an area where both red and grey squirrels occur, please avoid feeding squirrels — this can help limit the spread of disease and prevent greys from out-competing reds.
If you’re lucky enough to have only red squirrels, we can provide advice on safe supplementary feeding and habitat improvements.
If you’re a landowner or woodland manager, or keen to assist with grey squirrel control, we can also offer guidance and training in humane live trapping and coordinated grey squirrel control.
Join Us
Membership of the Kinross-shire Red Squirrel Group is open to anyone with an interest in wildlife, woodlands, or volunteering. Whether you want to help with surveys, data, outreach, or practical control work, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us: kinrossshireredsquirrelgroup@gmail.com