…virus on red squirrel populations in real Scottish landscapes. The approach has been pioneered by Prof. Andy White and his team at Heriot-Watt University, and the models are a cost-effective approach to guide and help maximise the success of conservation efforts. To date these models have been used to assess the risk of squirrelpox virus spread in Scotland, the effectiveness… […]
…squirrel monitoring effort to help improve baseline data and allow for targeted grey squirrel management Provide training for volunteers in grey squirrel management Ensure a reduction in grey squirrel sightings by targeted trapping activity – including a trap loan scheme Increase community awareness and interest in red squirrel conservation across the project area via social media, website, agricultural events/shows and… […]
…home town, where it has now replaced the red squirrels). What I saw was an amazing acrobat, an intelligent trickster, a curious coward, and a cute fluffy critter which was perfectly balanced with its native habitat, just as the red squirrel is in much of Scotland and should be in the rest of the United Kingdom. The ancestor of all… […]
…its aims and how new volunteers can become involved. In this time, we have also appeared in the local newspaper: Gateway (circulation 66,000) around the Wigtown and Newton Stewart area. On the monitoring side of our group; a trusty band of volunteers (including myself) have been out taking hair samples from feeder boxes to ascertain the numbers of Reds and… […]
…can be seen escaping when viewed through a thermal imager. Perfect for a quiet night in! Red squirrels plan ahead and will usually have several dreys on the go at any one time, moving between them as and when suits them. So if a squirrel felt threatened in one drey they will often have the option to move elsewhere, and… […]
…meaning you stand a better chance of seeing them here than almost anywhere else in the country. The map highlights just some of the locations where you can see red squirrels. If you are lucky enough to spot one, please remember to submit a squirrel sighting following your visit – it can make a big difference! Report a Squirrel Sighting… […]
…affection for their native reds. Choosing to feature them on our country’s money feels like a solid statement – the red squirrel belongs in Scotland. We also hope that having this iconic species in people’s wallets, pockets and purses will serve as a friendly reminder that continued conservation effort is essential for ensuring they will always have a home here…. […]
…control requires time, skill and commitment. Finding and retaining volunteers for this work in rural areas can prove challenging. Protecting red squirrels in South Scotland will require continuous effort, and therefore requires long-term funding. Awareness amongst the general public remains relatively poor, with a surprising number of people not recognising the difference between the red as an iconic native species… […]
…There are now approximately 160,000 native red squirrels in Britain, of which over 75% live in Scotland Since the introduction of grey squirrels, they have become widespread across Britain due to their ability to adapt to new environments. They have also introduced the squirrel pox virus which, although catastrophic to red squirrels, appears to leave grey squirrels relatively unharmed due… […]
…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… […]
