New Frontiers for Volunteers

…New Mexico, I’ve come home to see what I can do here in Scotland to help our native wildlife survive against threats of foreign diseases and invasive species. In Sweden I studied conservation biology and became especially interested in disease ecology, invasive species and wildlife management. I then moved from Sweden to a field station in New Mexico to work… […]

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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 ask people living in the… […]

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A red squirrel first for Luss Estate

…volunteers have been contributing to our grey squirrel control work in the area, so it’s great to see their efforts finally paying off. One of the long-term goals in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park action plans, including ‘Wild Park 2020’, is working towards a long-term goal of maintaining the whole area as a ‘red-only’ zone.   An… […]

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Call for Scots to become a nation of squirrel spotters this Red Squirrel Week

…red and grey squirrel sightings or by getting involved with a local volunteer group. Over 5000 squirrel sightings were reported in 2017 but with the launch of their new Hub, SSRS is this year looking to hit the 10,000 target. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Project Manager, Dr Mel Tonkin said: “For Red Squirrel Week, we’re launching a brand new website… […]

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Speakers FAQs

…Although not quite as good quality, another option is to record via Zoom. Simply hold a Zoom meeting by yourself, share your screen and record! If none of these options are available to you please get in touch so we can help. Tip for powerpoint recording When in recording mode, you need to stop the recording at the end of… […]

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SSRS Knowledge Fair

…and beyond; and to look ahead to a future of working together to protect one of Scotland’s most iconic species. The online event will include a variety of talks, workshops and networking opportunities, as well as virtual exhibitions from some of our volunteers and partner organisations. Event access Click ‘reset password’ to set a password for the first time. You… […]

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News: Report details red squirrel conservation successes, with key recommendations for the iconic species’ long-term future in Scotland.

…ensuring that this vital work is sustained long-term. Eileen Stuart, NatureScot Deputy Director of Nature and Climate Change, said: “The red squirrel is one of our most iconic species, and it’s heartening to reflect on the progress that has been made through this project to protect and expand populations. It is particularly encouraging to see the number of individuals, communities… […]

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North East towns at the forefront of efforts to save Scotland’s red squirrels

…The grey squirrel is an invasive species that was introduced to Britain from North America. They out-compete red squirrels for food and living space and some also carry squirrelpox, a virus that doesn’t harm grey squirrels but is deadly to reds. Grey squirrels were first introduced to Aberdeen in the 1970s, rapidly spreading throughout the city and into surrounding Aberdeenshire,… […]

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How can mathematical modelling help save red squirrels in Scotland?

…greys from a stronghold increases as the habitat quality in the woodland within and surrounding the stronghold improves. Model predictions indicating the percentage chance of ‘seropositive’ (squirreplox carrying) greys squirrels in Scotland that would occur without grey squirrel control. Today the threat of squirrelpox outbreaks is still restricted to the south.     Managing squirrelpox in South Scotland For the… […]

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This Year's Sightings