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

…Conservation Officer for Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels said: “With support of local volunteers from the Solway Forests Red Squirrel Network, we have deployed emergency squirrelpox outbreak response measures. Grey squirrels are being removed from the area through live trapping and humane dispatch. We know that when grey squirrel numbers are kept low, red squirrel populations can recover following the devastation… […]

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Reports of suspected squirrelpox near Cardrona

…area to please remove wildlife feeders from your gardens in order to avoid spreading the disease to healthy red squirrels visiting the feeders. Squirrelpox is a virus carried by grey squirrels without causing them any harm. However, if spread to red squirrels the disease is deadly. Feeding stations can encourage both species to come into close contact and increase the […]

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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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Suspected squirrelpox cases on the Solway Coast

…are asking people living within these areas to be extra vigilant. Squirrelpox is a virus carried by grey squirrels without causing them any harm. However, if spread to red squirrels the disease is deadly. Red squirrels develop wet pus-filled lesions on their faces, particularly around the eyes, nose and mouth, as well as on their paws and genitalia. They become… […]

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Spotting squirrelpox: new sightings across Dumfries and Galloway

…from their gardens to reduce the risk of contamination and spread of disease . Red squirrels fortunately have plenty of natural food sources in their environment at this time of year and will be able to support themselves without the help of feeders until the virus is under control. Don’ t worry, although red squirrels have a reputation for being… […]

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Coronavirus update for SSRS volunteers

  We couldn’t save Scotland’s red squirrels without the support of our volunteers, and your health and safety is of utmost importance to us. Following the latest advice from both the Scottish Government and our lead partner, the Scottish Wildlife Trust, we would like to issue the following guidance to all our volunteers in light of the current coronavirus pandemic:… […]

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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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This Year's Sightings