The Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrel (SSRS) team are very saddened by the recent passing of Brian Fishwick, SSRS volunteer and founding member of the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group. Described as a ‘leading light’ by his peers, Brian’s enthusiasm and commitment to the cause has been an inspiration to many and instrumental in the ongoing protection of red squirrel populations across… […]
Dr Jenny Bryce, Scottish Natural Heritage Wildlife Ecologist, discusses how evidence is shaping conservation strategy; reflecting on invasives insights upon the publication of a paper co-written by Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels’ Dr Mel Tonkin. In July 2017 Mel Tonkin, SSRS Project Manager, presented a paper at the IUCN Island Invasives conference held in Dundee. This was the third… […]
Following last month’s suspension of all SSRS outdoor volunteer work in light of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the decision has been made to cancel the project’s annual survey which takes place in Spring. After careful consideration, it has been decided that the 2020 annual Spring Survey will not continue after lockdown restrictions are lifted. For the health and… […]
By Dr Sarah Garven It’s about this time of year that many red squirrels set to work on producing a second litter of kits. Guest blogger Dr Sarah Garven gives us an insight into the life of a red squirrel during the busy breeding season. Spring has made its late but very welcome appearance after the erratic… […]
As we celebrate the fifth annual Great Scottish Squirrel Survey (running from the 2nd – 8th October), when recording those all-important sightings, how can we ensure that the squirrels we’re spotting are indeed the species we believe? When a sighting is brief – perhaps seen from a moving vehicle, or a fleeting glimpse of a furry tail in a… […]
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels have been working in partnership with Aberdeen City Council to develop strategies for protecting Scotland’s native red squirrels in the North East since the project first began. At the ALGE (Association of Local Government Ecologists) awards in December, this work was acknowledged with a special commendation certificate. Celebrating ALGE’s 25th year anniversary, the Association recognised… […]
Original Author: Steve Willis The inspiring story of two very dedicated humans and one very lucky red squirrel kitten. Rescuing and rehabilitating any wild animal is fraught with challenges and red squirrels are no exception. Here is the tail, sorry tale, of Rusty the Red! Here is an account of the rehabilitation of a red squirrel kitten by two… […]
Original Author: Steve Willis, Project Officer Northeast Scotland You may have seen reference to our annual spring survey. Find out more about what’s involved, and how the Project Officers go through all the results. Throughout March and April each year SSRS engages in a massive survey of red and grey squirrels across all the regions where we work. From… […]
Original Author: Steve Willis The big focus for the SSRS team now is the annual spring survey. So the festivities of Christmas and the New Year are behind us now and it’s back to the grind stone for the team at SSRS. Grey squirrel control is underway in most areas and a key task for the Project Officers is… […]
