…the spread of grey squirrels. Classified as an invasive non-native species, it is widely acknowledged that targeted, landscape-scale grey squirrel population control is essential if we want to reverse the decline of Scotland’s red squirrels. It’s a huge undertaking, but fortunately there are many passionate and experienced landowners and individuals volunteering to do their bit across priority areas. At Saving… […]
…plastic turf? Then you’ll understand that it’s never been more important to create safe havens for wildlife in our urban and suburban environments. Fortunately, while some people continue to push out nature in favour of cars and convenience, others are making space in their lives for a bit of wildness. Thanks to increased awareness in recent years we’re leaving gaps… […]
…be officially decided. Over the past year, we have also been working on an up-to-date survey of the distribution of red squirrels across the highlands, which should be published shortly. Finally, if people are interested in getting involved with red squirrel conservation efforts with Trees for Life, what opportunities are there and how should they get in touch with you?… […]
…leave a wee collection of hairs inside the lid. These boxes are set up and filled with bait some time in early March. After that the volunteer just needs to visit the feeder three more times, at roughly fortnightly intervals. Each time they just need to refresh the bait and carefully swap over the sticky tab and seal it in… […]
…berries, fungi, plant shoots— even bird eggs. Cones are a particularly important source of food. If you’ve every picked one up that looks like it’s been through a shredder, it could very well be the remains of a red squirrel’s lunch. © Elana Bader However, squirrels aren’t the only animals that strip cones for their seeds. Other rodents such as… […]
…Admin Support, and Fundraiser, all of whom have worked tirelessly to promote red squirrel conservation efforts in our area. As part of the South of Scotland Red Squirrel Forum we also meet bi-annually with all the other Border groups to keep each other informed of what is going on in the Borders and beyond and how we can help each… […]
…the wood into feeder boxes in only 2 days! The squirrel survey is carried out each spring during March and April. It’s a huge undertaking, only possible with the efforts of volunteers. There are 115 survey sites across south Scotland, and each survey site needs four feeder boxes. Feeder boxes are cleaned and re-used most of the time, but we… […]
…Do they hide away and hibernate? NO!!! This seems to be a widely held belief. Ground squirrels in other parts of the world do hibernate, but can only do so if they build up huge fat reserves. Tree squirrels (like red and grey squirrels) cannot afford to build up a lot of weight and still scamper about the canopy, so… […]
Original Author: Steve Willis A guest blog from Rosy of Deeside Knitwits. Rosy and the Knitwits have recently made some truly amazing knitted red squirrels which they have gifted to SSRS. Here’s a bit of background into what they do and how it all started! And if you didn’t know what ‘knitadermy’ was, you soon will! Over to Rosy….. … […]
Original Author: Lorna Hutchison If you’ve yet to set eyes on a Scottish Red Squirrel, here’s a wee guide to help increase your chances! Go north. Or south. Those of us living in the densely populated central belt have a choice to make. There are populations of red squirrels in the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway but personally, I’d… […]