All things invasive with the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative

…are species that have been transported here from their native range with the assistance of humans (either deliberately or accidently). Of these only 10-15% go on to cause problems, having a negative impact on our environment, our economy or our way of life – these are termed as invasive non-native species.   Why are invasives problematic? Invasive species are problematic… […]

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A lucky escape!

…up a camera in your garden or local park could surprise – you often find foxes, roe deer, or maybe even a badger or hedgehog rooting about (they work in the dark too!). We know many folks out there who use trail cams just for a bit of fun and take them with them on days out and holidays and… […]

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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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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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Game-changing grant awarded to South Scotland volunteers

…guided walks organised by volunteer groups to help raise awareness of the plight of the red squirrel. Thanks to the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, a national charity working to prevent the extinction of this endangered species and partner to the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project, volunteer groups in South Scotland will be able to sustain their surveying and monitoring efforts… […]

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Spotting the elusive Scottish Red Squirrel

…chances of seeing not only red squirrels but also a range of other timid species such as deer, hedgehogs, beavers, badgers, pine marten, owls, jays, woodpeckers etc, depending of course on where you go and the time of day or year that you visit. Squirrels are less active during the winter but they do not hibernate so this means that… […]

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See you in a few years…

…I am leaving this position to start training as a science/biology teacher, in order to have a greater influence on people’s love and understanding of the natural world. Those of you who read this probably don’t need to be encouraged to enjoy and learn about wildlife, but far too many adults don’t care about nature and don’t engage with it…. […]

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This Year's Sightings