See you in a few years…

…colleagues and working in one of the most accessible scenic areas in Scotland: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (www.lochlomond-trossachs.org). Along with all of my red squirrel friends (and grey squirrel “enemies”…), I have seen an amazing variety of wildlife, including: otters, pine marten, red deer, roe deer, goosanders, ravens, and even a slow worm in this poor summer…. […]

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An Autumn Overview of Tree ID

…keep an eye out for any buds on trees – this could be a sign that a squirrel (or other animal) has beat you to the fruit first. Additional useful links If you just can’t learn enough about Britain’s native and non-native trees, you can find out more information by following the links below. Happy tree ID-ing everyone! https://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/… […]

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News: Great Scottish Squirrel Survey launched to boost protection for native reds

…can then report where and when they saw them on the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels website, scottishsquirrels.org.uk Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is a partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust that is working to protect red squirrels where they are most under threat from the spread of non-native grey squirrels. Squirrel sightings received from members of the public help… […]

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Suspected Squirrelpox outbreak near Dumfries threatens local red squirrel population

…both red and grey squirrels at scottishsquirrels.org.uk. Although Squirrelpox is not considered harmful to humans, anyone who sees a sick red squirrel is advised not to approach it, but instead contact the project for advice. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is a partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and made possible thanks to National Lottery players and the Dumfries… […]

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Coronavirus: Update for SSRS volunteers

…their own situation carefully and consider personal and family risk levels. If you are satisfied that you can resume safely, make sure you have all the required personal protective equipment and other measures in place before you start. We understand that nature has an important role to play in health and wellbeing during this time but the health and safety… […]

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News: Take part in Scotland’s largest squirrel survey this month

…Scotland in just one week. Each record verified by a Conservation Officer before being added to the project’s sightings map and the official Scottish Squirrel Database. The results from this year’s survey will be published later in 2020 and will create a comparison of red and grey squirrel distribution year on year. More information can be found at scottishsquirrels.org.uk/great-scottish-squirrel-survey.  … […]

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Building a Volunteer Network

…online guide . I f you live in one of ou r South Scotland priority areas and would like to get involved with an existing red squirrel group, please visit our Network Directory to find one near you.   Giuliana Sinclair Community Engagement Officer Area covered: South West Scotland gsinclair@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk Sarah Cooper Community Engagement Officer Area covered: Scottish Borders scooper@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk […]

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New Conservation Officer calls for the public to help protect red squirrels in the Scottish Borders

…the more sightings we receive the better our understanding will be.” Grey squirrels are a non-native species that was first introduced to Britain in Victorian times, and they are recognised as the main threat to the red squirrel’s future in Scotland. Larger and more robust, they out-compete native reds for resources. In the south of Scotland some grey squirrels also… […]

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

…the Highland Line and the isolated pocket of grey squirrels in Aberdeen. Squirrelpox is not currently a threat in Aberdeenshire, however this could change if the gap between the two grey squirrel populations closes and they become able to breed. “However, this is not the first time greys have been seen in these areas, and there is no cause to… […]

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This Year's Sightings