An Autumn Overview of Tree ID

…red squirrels.   Which tree species create a good habitat for red squirrels? A great habitat for red squirrels is one with a healthy food supply. A varied mix of cone, fruit, seed and nut-producing tree species ensures that squirrels have plenty of natural resources throughout the year. In autumn, they can often be found ‘caching’ their foraged food in… […]

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Images of Saving Britain’s Native Squirrel

…project about red squirrel conservation in the UK. Throughout the last year, I have travelled across the UK to photograph and document the various ways we help red squirrel populations, and the people that are behind these important projects and initiatives. Thanks to SSRS, I had the opportunity to learn more about their Spring Survey. The survey is completed every… […]

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Argaty Red Kites celebrate their other star species with a new red squirrel hide

…and wildlife. It’s also a reminder of just how important it is that we continue to protect red squirrels in the area from more grey squirrel arrivals in the future. The Woodland Hide will be available only by pre-booking. For more information, please visit the Argaty Red Kite project website www.argatyredkites.co.uk or telephone 01786 841373. The Project will also very… […]

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Major boost for Scotland’s red squirrels thanks to National Lottery funding

…red squirrels.Scotland is home to just 120,000 red squirrels, three quarters of the UK population. The main threat to native squirrels comes from competition with invasive non-native grey squirrels and the spread of the deadly squirrelpox virus.   Dr Mel Tonkin, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Project Manager said: “Our work since 2009 shows that through targeted control of grey squirrels… […]

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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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Spotting the elusive Scottish Red Squirrel

…chances of seeing not only red squirrels but also a range of other timid species such as deer, hedgehogs, beavers, badgers, pine marten, owls, jays, woodpeckers etc, depending of course on where you go and the time of day or year that you visit. Squirrels are less active during the winter but they do not hibernate so this means that… […]

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How can mathematical modelling help save red squirrels in Scotland?

…Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland conservation efforts. Our knowledge of squirrel reproduction, dispersal, mortality, competition and squirrelpox transmission allows us to create mathematical models that simulate how red and grey squirrel populations change over time. The models can be combined with satellite maps of forest and squirrel habitat distribution to determine, for example, the spread and impact of squirrelpox… […]

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The Bald Facts

…wouldn’t find in the wild? Whatever the reason, it doesn’t seem to cause red squirrels any difficulties fortunately. There are other factors that cause balding in squirrels, such as parasite overload (lots of fleas or ticks), mange or allergies, but they are usually accompanied by signs of inflammation and lesions. There is also Squirrel Pox Virus, which is a serious… […]

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Knowledge Fair – celebrating five years of community action

…Collis, SSRS Conservation Officer Building a volunteer network in the south of Scotland – Dr Peter Garson, Gatehouse Squirrel Group and John Rae, Save our Squirrels Berwick Group Session Q&A   Session 2: Looking to the Future Communicating the SSRS-DCA story – Gill Hatcher, SSRS Communications and Engagement Officer The Community Hub legacy – Nicole Tipple, SSRS Data officer Developing… […]

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This Year's Sightings