…and the rest of the UK, were our native reds. Then, in 1876, Victorians brought grey squirrels to Cheshire in England, to decorate parks. Naturally spreading from there and with further releases, including across the south of Scotland, grey squirrels rapidly took over, wiping out red squirrels as they went through competition and by carrying the deadly squirrelpox virus. By… […]
…something a bit different. By going out and looking for squirrels during the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey people can help us create a more detailed snapshot of the current situation on the ground.” Autumn is an ideal time of year for squirrel-watching. With leaves falling they can be easier to spot as they move through the treetops, foraging for the… […]
…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… […]
…part of a new cross border project with the Red Squirrel Groups in Northumberland and Cumbria, subject to funding. Finally, and very happily, through local surveys red squirrels have been recorded in areas where they were previously unknown within our region. We shall continue to work to raise awareness and carry out red squirrel conservation activities to protect and encourage… […]
…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… […]
…drink from streams or ponds. As such, putting out a little bit of water out in a dish for them in the June-August months may be greatly appreciated by your squirrel visitors! Remember to clean it regularly, and place up high near trees/ hedges to help avoid predation. Second Broods NatureScot (2010) ‘Red Squirrels, Naturally Scottish’ Red squirrels can have… […]
