All things invasive with the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative

…        The Scottish Invasive Species Initiative is a four-year partnership project led by Scottish Natural Heritage and with many Fishery Boards and Trusts and the University of Aberdeen as partners. SISI is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Scottish Natural Heritage. To find out more, visit the project website at www.invasivespecies.scot where you can also… […]

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Welcoming volunteers back into the field this Volunteers’ Week

…the last year. We have been blown away by the enthusiasm and commitment that volunteers have shown throughout this difficult time. Creativity is one thing that certainly hasn’t been restricted, as we’ve witnessed Red Squirrel Network Groups adapt and rise to the challenge – from producing calendars for raising funds, to engaging with local schools and sharing educational activities online…. […]

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Suspected squirrelpox cases on the Solway Coast

…any wildlife feeding stations. We also ask that people across the Solway Coast please ensure that all garden feeding stations are regularly cleaned with an anti-viral solution such as Virkon S, which is available to purchase online in tablet and powder form. If you see a sick red squirrel, either in your garden, or while outdoors exercising, please contact squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk…. […]

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

project’s spring surveys in both 2020 and 2021. These annual systematic surveys, which used baited squirrel-hair sampling boxes at over 200 specific locations, provided robust distribution data for both red and grey squirrels that was invaluable for comparing the fortunes of squirrels from year-to-year. Project Manager Dr Mel Tonkin said: “Without the spring survey data, we need the help of… […]

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News: Get squirrel spotting during the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey next week!

…and means that everyone can have a part to play in conserving our iconic red squirrel.” Eileen Stuart, Deputy Director of Nature and Climate Change at NatureScot, said: “With invasive non-native species posing one of the biggest threats to our biodiversity, NatureScot is pleased to support the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrel project, which is successfully working to help protect the… […]

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Great Scottish Squirrel Survey

The Great Scottish Squirrel Survey This Red Squirrel Week we’re calling on people all over Scotland to get outdoors, explore nature and be on the lookout for tufted ears and bushy tails for the return of the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey. Report your sightings of both red and grey squirrels between 2-8 October to provide us with a snapshot of… […]

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A lucky escape!

…would be reported, simply out of interest. There can’t be that much overlap between the strictly diurnal (active in daylight) red squirrel and the generally nocturnal tawny owl. Perhaps this owl was feeding young and was desperate for food! Anyway, the red squirrel lived to fight another day which is good, and we wish that feisty tawny owl well too!… […]

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News: Take part in Scotland’s largest squirrel survey this month

…week can be reported at scottishsquirrels.org.uk and will be included in a national database that directly influences conservation action. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is a partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust that is working to protect red squirrels where they are most under threat from the spread of the non-native grey squirrel. Sightings of both red and grey… […]

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This Year's Sightings