Coronavirus: Phased restart of SSRS outdoor volunteer work

…allow us to access the additional equipment and resources required for monitoring activities and have the ability to collect samples once more. Volunteers will be notified when measures are in place for this activity to recommence. Volunteer groups Face-to-face group events and meetings will remain postponed for the time being. SSRS have been supporting volunteer network groups across Scotland digitally… […]

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Suspected Squirrelpox outbreak near Dumfries threatens local red squirrel population

…or moving. As a result, it is usually fatal within two weeks and an outbreak can cause local numbers to crash. Wildlife feeder boxes and garden bird tables are a common cause of Squirrelpox outbreaks, as they bring squirrels of both species into closer contact with one another. A Heathhall red squirrel, photographed by Lisa Fuller Dr Stephanie Johnstone, Conservation… […]

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Spring into survey time

Original Author: Alexa Seagrave It’s February and preparations are well underway for the 2018 squirrel survey. Conservation Officer Alexa Seagrave explains what the survey is all about and why spring is such a great time to get outdoors and look for squirrels.   Last week we published the results of our 2017 squirrel survey, with the good news that overall… […]

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Award for a Red Squirrel Champion

…use as a base for their own activities. The hide can hold more than a dozen wildlife-watchers and boasts an ‘infinity pool’; a raised shallow pool which allows photographers to snap charismatic photos of red squirrels around the pool, with their reflection in the water. The squirrels don’t seem to mind all the attention they receive – they happily sit… […]

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New PARC boundaries ensure conservation efforts stay one step ahead

…alongside large upland conifer forests where red squirrels have a natural advantage over grey squirrels. These include Galloway Forest Park, Ae Forest, Eskdalemuir, Craik, Wauchope and the Tweed Valley forests. The PARCs generally occupy lower-lying areas with greater accessibility to local people, and with concentrations of habitat that are favoured by grey squirrels (in which red squirrels are often excluded… […]

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This Year's Sightings