A red squirrel first for Luss Estate

  After years of carefully targeted grey squirrel control, we were excited to hear that a red squirrel has been spotted in Luss. It’s a sign that our native reds are beginning to make a comeback on Loch Lomond’s western shores. Luss Estate is a nationally important area for red squirrel conservation because it sits on the Highland Boundary Fault… […]

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Knowledge Fair – celebrating five years of community action

…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 Community Action: lessons learned and future needs – Dr Mel Tonkin, SSRS Project Manager Session Q&A    … […]

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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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Join the Hub

Join the Hub Community action is the key to the long-term survival of Scotland’s red squirrels. The Hub is a space for our supporters and volunteers to keep up to date with the project and connect with like-minded people working to protect local red squirrel populations. Registered users can keep track of their squirrel sightings, and join a local red… […]

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Red squirrels and biosecurity

…characteristics of the smallpox and chickenpox viruses, it is not classified directly within the Parapoxvirus group – it is an outlier. Carried by American grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) without effect, squirrelpox is commonly found in greys from Ontario down to the Carolinas of Eastern North America. It is not known when squirrelpox came to UK but it was first confirmed… […]

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To feed or not to feed?

…is against a wall or tree so that the squirrel doesn’t have to cross open ground, and can escape easily. Make sure that the feeder and food are kept as clean as possible. Regular monthly scrubbing of feeders with detergent and changing any leftover feed before it goes mouldy can help to achieve this. Spray with a pet-safe or bird-safe… […]

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News: Red letter day – Plean’s first red squirrel entered home through letterbox

…North America. They out-compete native red squirrels for food and living space, and can also carry squirrelpox, a virus that is deadly to reds. They have completely replaced red squirrels in parts of Scotland, including much of Stirlingshire, but targeted control work carried out by Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is preventing them from spreading further and in some places allowing… […]

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

…Trust and made possible thanks to National Lottery players. With the help of a network of dedicated volunteers, the project is working to reduce grey squirrel numbers in the region, with the aim of removing them completely. Members of the public are being asked to help by reporting any squirrel sightings (red and grey) on the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels… […]

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

  Laura Preston, the new Scottish Borders Conservation Officer for Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, is calling on locals to help the project by reporting sightings of both red and grey squirrels online.   Laura joins Community Engagement Officer Alexa Seagrave in the project’s new regional office near Newton St Boswells. They will be working with landowners and volunteers to protect… […]

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This Year's Sightings