Squirrelpox: Staying ahead of the spread

…in the nearby landscape to be at risk from disease. If the virus continues to spread through the grey squirrel population of the Lowlands however, it will eventually arrive in areas where red squirrels thrive. By testing we can forewarn people living in those areas, which may give them time to organise some protection for local red squirrels.   Landowners,… […]

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VolunteerFAQs

…independent groups, upon which SSRS will continue to provide support with permissions access to the Hub and Scottish Wildlife Trust volunteer sign-up processes. Please email squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk. Please note SSRS will no longer be able to provide any of the financial support that was available during the Developing Community Action and Transition phases. Fundraising guidance and support is available via the… […]

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Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels: the next steps in South Scotland

…networks will need to have in place their own group insurance to cover activities. The Red Squirrel Forum for South Scotland may be able to put you in touch with other groups who have already arranged this. Important note: Independent groups should register all their members to ensure they are covered by the group’s insurance. Template volunteer registration forms and… […]

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Join the community: introducing our new website

  Welcome to the brand new Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels website! Please have a look around.   Like before, the site is the place to find out about the latest project news, get in touch with the team and of course report your squirrel sightings. However it’s much more than that – scottishsquirrels.org.uk is now home to the Saving Scotland’s… […]

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Q&A with Sarah Woodfin, Project Manager with Trees for Life’s Red Squirrel Reintroduction Project

…north-west highlands that may be able to support a population of red squirrels, they should contact us initially at hello@treesforlife.org.uk . They should also send in any sightings of squirrels in the highlands to Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels hub and encourage their friends and family to do the same, as this helps us to monitor our red squirrels.    … […]

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Using camera traps to survey for squirrels

  Monitoring Officer Nina Schönberg explains how we use camera traps to survey squirrels in Aberdeenshire, often with entertaining results!   On top of our regular hair sample-based surveys, in the North East we also run a camera-trapping survey in specially selected woodlands. Camera Traps (or Trail Cameras) are designed to detect movement and changes in temperature (i.e. body heat)… […]

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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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News: The Great Scottish Squirrel Survey returns in an important year for squirrel sightings

…at scottishsquirrels.org.uk.” 2020’s Great Scottish Squirrel Survey was a record-breaking year, with 3160 squirrel sightings reported in just one week. Sightings help SSRS create a picture of the situation on the ground, and directly contribute to red squirrel conservation action. This year’s Great Scottish Squirrel Survey is all the more important because Covid-19 lockdown restrictions forced the cancellation of the… […]

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Tayside

…  Landowners Landowners in certain areas can control grey squirrels under Forestry Grant Scheme funding, or join the project’s trap-loan scheme. Woodland owners, meanwhile, can adjust the management of their woods to benefit red squirrels. Please contact your local SSRS or Scottish Forestry staff for more information.   Area Contact Susie McNaughton Conservation Officer smcnaughton@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk Peter Harrison Conservation Officer pharrison@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk […]

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Hawick, Selkirk and Denholm Red Squirrel Network – One Year Later

…other develop. Our Aims: To protect, identify and strengthen red squirrel populations in our area. Encourage the expansion of current red squirrel populations in our area. Support neighbouring red squirrel groups to establish themselves where possible. Promote better understanding and support for red squirrels in the Borders generally by delivering presentations and through attendance at local events etc. Funding: Obtaining… […]

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This Year's Sightings