News: Squirrelpox threatens red squirrels across Dumfries & Galloway’s Solway coast

…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 & Galloway LEADER 2014 – 2020 programme…. […]

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Suspected Squirrelpox outbreak near Dumfries threatens local red squirrel population

The support has been amazing, and with some family members we’ve done everything we can to get the word out by putting posters throughout the forest. The community would be devastated to lose these animals as we all love to spot them on our daily walks.” People can support the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project by reporting their sightings of… […]

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Beechmast and acorns everywhere

…area? As with humans in the supermarket “reduced” aisle, red squirrels will take full advantage of the opportunity and load up their plates at the forest buffet. This results in a boost in body weight which helps them to withstand harsh winters and will mean that more females are likely to bear two litters next year. Red squirrels have the […]

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Spotting squirrelpox: new sightings across Dumfries and Galloway

…is advised not to approach it, but instead contact the project for advice as soon as possible . Dead reds can be sent for post-mortem but ne ed to be handled carefully – please read the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels post-morten guide for more information at https://scottishsquirrels.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Red-squirrel-post-morte ms.pdf . To find out more about the squirrelpox virus, please visit the […]

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Coronavirus update for SSRS volunteers

…prevention of squirrelpox spread, usually in tablet form. It is not suitable for use indoors, and is not safe for humans. It is classified as an irritant and should always be handled following the correct safety precautions, and only used for its intended purpose. Please familiarise yourself with the Virkon-S health and safety guidelines and risk assessment (provided in your… […]

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Award for a Red Squirrel Champion

  The Scottish Wildlife Trust has awarded Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels volunteer Rob Asbridge the “Rusty Bog” Volunteer Award for all the hard work he has put into helping to protect the red squirrels in his area; including the construction of a community base and red squirrel hide for the local community to enjoy and value their local red squirrels…. […]

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Help the Solway Forests with your best red squirrel snaps

…are looking for atmospheric and engaging photographs of red squirrels, taken anywhere in Scotland, to include in their 2019 calendar. The winning photograph will be featured on the front cover of the calendar, and 11 others will be selected for each month of 2019. Started in August 2017, Solway Forests is one of the newest red squirrel volunteer networks to… […]

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This Year's Sightings