A lucky escape!

the squirrel as prey, or perhaps there were mice or voles in amongst the bait and out of site of the camera. Fascinating stuff either way, and presumably a pretty rare encounter! Tawny owls are well monitored in the UK and I suspect if red squirrels popped up in their diet it would be reported, simply out of interest. There… […]

Read More…

News: Scotland’s red squirrel populations remain stable in latest survey report

…of the country where red squirrels are most threatened by the spread of non-native grey squirrels. The findings enable the National Lottery-funded project to evaluate its efforts to reduce grey squirrel numbers and halt the decline of red squirrel populations in these areas. The spring survey has been carried out in project areas in the north of Scotland since 2011,… […]

Read More…

The Story of Rusty the Red

…part of the centre and will have very little human interaction whilst he learns the skills he will need for the future. Finally, he will be taken to a release site where the squirrels are fed and from that point he will be free. Rusty weighing in at an impressive 226g. A fantastic turn-around in fortunes- he has nearly tripled… […]

Read More…

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… […]

Read More…

Suspected Squirrelpox outbreak near Dumfries threatens local red squirrel population

…in Dumfries where they will be assessed and either treated or euthanised. “There are very few instances of red squirrels surviving the disease. Nonetheless, the South West Scotland Wildlife Hospital is on standby to receive any sick red squirrels into their isolation unit if a vet deems that they may have a chance of recovery.” Locals can help prevent further… […]

Read More…

An update on the Heathhall squirrelpox outbreak

…and our initial response here. One of the infected red squirrels, photographed by Lisa Fuller Our first action was to remove any feeder boxes that had been installed in the woodland, to reduce inter-species and intra-species contact and therefore reduce the chances of the disease spreading further. We then set up live traps in the area with two aims. Firstly,… […]

Read More…

Coronavirus: all SSRS outdoor volunteer work suspended

…be a critical decision for red squirrel conservation in Scotland. However, our staff and volunteers are the greatest asset we have in the effort to protect our native red squirrel populations, and your safety and public safety is of utmost importance at all times. The Trust will review the suspension in three weeks’ time, when the current lockdown is due… […]

Read More…

New Frontiers for Volunteers

…grey squirrel population we could also bring down the incidence of disease helping the native red squirrel in two ways. When I was working in New Mexico, I would see the Rock Squirrels (Spermophilus variegatus, below) basking on a rock at the base of the canyon wall either enjoying the sunrise or sunset. These squirrels however, are battling the plague:… […]

Read More…

A red squirrel first for Luss Estate

…line, where the grey squirrels of the Central Belt meet Scotland’s core red squirrel populations in the Highlands. It’s therefore crucial that we prevent the greys from spreading any further north, and that their numbers are reduced to allow nearby red populations to recolonise the area. Our data shows that red squirrels completely disappeared from Loch Lomond’s western shore except… […]

Read More…

Call for Scots to become a nation of squirrel spotters this Red Squirrel Week

…where dedicated squirrel spotters can register and keep a personal record of their squirrel sightings. “The comprehensive mapping allows them to view their own squirrel conservation data as well as all of the project’s long-term data. It’s a great way for people to see how their efforts are contributing to changes over time. “It’s also a meeting point where volunteers… […]

Read More…

This Year's Sightings