An Introduction to Squirrels in Scotland

  There are over 200 species of squirrel across the globe, and Scotland is home to just two of them, the Eurasian Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) and the Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Grey squirrels, which are native to North America, were introduced to Britain in 1876, before which it is estimated that there were around 3.5 million native red squirrels…. […]

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Help the Solway Forests with your best red squirrel snaps

…there are also many privately-owned woodland plots in between. Despite the threat from grey squirrels the Solway forests are still home to healthy red squirrel populations, attracting tourists and enchanting residents alike. As a result, many locals understand the need to take action to protect them from further decline. The main frontline for grey squirrel incursion in the area is… […]

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New faces and farewells

…and North America, in outreach and programme management roles, and is very excited to be getting back to the applied conservation sector as part of the SWT and SSRS teams. With her experience with invasive species and knowledge of forest habitat I have no doubt that Nicole will find herself at home with the squirrel team. Finally we say goodbye… […]

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An update on the Heathhall squirrelpox outbreak

…always have a home in Dumfries and Galloway.   Things you can do to help protect red squirrels Do not install feeder boxes in public forests Clean your garden wildlife feeders regularly with an anti-viral solution such as Virkon S Report any grey squirrel sightings at scottishsquirrels.org.uk If you see a red squirrel that looks unwell, contact us at squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk… […]

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Celebrate red squirrels in the National Park

…has teamed up with various partner organisations in and around the National Park to bring you a week of red squirrel-themed guided walks, talks and family activities. The National Park still has a strong population of red squirrels and is a great place to get out and see them for yourself. Autumn is a particularly special time, as red squirrels… […]

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Moving forward with the Red Squirrel Forum for South Scotland

…the species’ long-term future here. Representatives from nine volunteer networks attended, covering areas from Gatehouse of Fleet in the west to the Berwickshire coast in the east. The gathering offered a chance for volunteers to share their knowledge, experiences and ideas, as well as motivate and inspire one another. On the day we also heard presentations about Cumbria and Northumberland,… […]

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News: 2018 squirrel survey reveals the challenges ahead for Scotland’s red squirrels

…of non-native grey squirrels. Grey squirrels, which were introduced to Britain from North America in the 19th Century, out-compete red squirrels for resources, and can also carry squirrelpox, a virus that doesn’t harm them but is deadly to reds. Previous survey results have indicated that red squirrel populations in the project’s focal areas had stabilised, a sign that with continued… […]

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Vacancies: work with us in 2020

…supporting staff through sourcing and purchase of equipment, booking and administration of a programme of events and volunteer training across all project regions and ensuring that project staff are supported in a variety of administration, financial, and reporting tasks. APPLY NOW   Grey Squirrel Officer (Seasonal) Location: Home-based within east Angus (Forfar–Montrose area) Region: Tayside Contract: Fixed term Jan-July 2020,… […]

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This Year's Sightings