Major boost for Scotland’s red squirrels thanks to National Lottery funding

…red squirrels.Scotland is home to just 120,000 red squirrels, three quarters of the UK population. The main threat to native squirrels comes from competition with invasive non-native grey squirrels and the spread of the deadly squirrelpox virus.   Dr Mel Tonkin, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Project Manager said: “Our work since 2009 shows that through targeted control of grey squirrels… […]

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Notice for Spring Survey volunteers

…specific volunteer openings can be found on the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Volunteering Opportunities page. Do keep in touch with your local Conservation Officer or Community Engagement Officer if you have any questions or concerns.   What should I do with my 2020 Spring Survey kit? Please read over the guidance and instructions below for your survey area: North East If… […]

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Community action in Galloway

…have a small army of over 50 local contacts on the lookout for both species, with more people asking to join in, and tourists doing their bit as well. When doing our hopper surveys in 2015, we were in a position to detect greys, but completely failed to do so. Even though there were sightings during our survey periods, no… […]

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Coronavirus: Phased restart of SSRS outdoor volunteer work

…and every volunteer and their contributions to our project, whether helping tackle invasive grey squirrels in the field or staying home and submitting local sightings through our website. Our Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels offices remain closed for now, but we continue working from home and making progress in the field to protect red squirrels. We will continue to keep all… […]

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News: Rare white red squirrel spotted in Tayside

…monitor squirrel populations over time and forms the basis of long-term plans for red squirrel conservation. Ann-Marie added: “It is important for people to continue to find ways to connect with nature during lockdown and a great way to do this is through window wildlife watching. They can still help protect Scotland’s red squirrels by reporting sightings through our website.”… […]

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Introducing the newest faces of our scurry

…team contact page or take a look at what’s happening in your area.   Work with us   Conservation Officer Location: Dumfriesshire (home-working possible) Region: South West Scotland Contract: Fixed term until March 2022 Closing Date: Thursday 11th February We are currently looking for a conservation officer to implement the project in the South West of Scotland to protect red… […]

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Cosy hideouts

…which never materialises. Red squirrels, meanwhile are haring around, eating what they can, burying nuts, and scurrying in the direction of their dreys. Contrary to popular belief, squirrels do not hibernate. However they do spent less time in search of food, and more time sleeping. To provide warmth and protection from the elements during the coldest months, squirrels build winter… […]

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Call for Scots to become a nation of squirrel spotters this Red Squirrel Week

…red and grey squirrel sightings or by getting involved with a local volunteer group. Over 5000 squirrel sightings were reported in 2017 but with the launch of their new Hub, SSRS is this year looking to hit the 10,000 target. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Project Manager, Dr Mel Tonkin said: “For Red Squirrel Week, we’re launching a brand new website… […]

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The future is bright in north east Scotland

…squirrels has been steadily increasing. Furthermore, the tetrads (2km x 2km survey squares) that have shown the most positive trends were in the areas where we have been putting the most effort into grey squirrel control, suggesting that our efforts are paying off! All credit must go to our Grey Squirrel Officers, whose dedication and professionalism are a credit to… […]

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Building a Volunteer Network

…Formed in 2014, the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group are proactively p romoting red squirrel conservation in the Glenkens and highlighting the risks posed to red squirrels from the grey squirrel – in particular the squirrelpox v irus. Bob Peace, Glenkens Group member , shared some of the crucial do’s and don’ts of managing a network. Don’t be frightened of seeking… […]

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This Year's Sightings