Coronavirus: Update for SSRS volunteers

…so safely.   Grey squirrel control volunteers A specific Covid-19 Risk Assessment has been developed in collaboration with other government and non-government outdoor-based organisations and is now ready for circulation to essential grey squirrel control volunteers. This can be accessed through the Community Hub Grey Squirrel Control Group documents, or by contacting your local Community Engagement Officer or Conservation Officer…. […]

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Coronavirus: Phased restart of SSRS outdoor volunteer work

now, but we continue working from home and making progress in the field to protect red squirrels. We will continue to keep all of our volunteers fully informed of any changes to guidance. If you have any questions or concerns around outdoor volunteering at this time, please contact your local Community Engagement Officer, Conservation Officer, or contact us at squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk…. […]

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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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How can mathematical modelling help save red squirrels in Scotland?

…carrying out grey squirrel control within and around strongholds increases the chance of long-term survival of red squirrel populations in those strongholds. Controlling grey squirrels will reduce their population density, making it more difficult for squirrelpox to spread through grey populations and therefore reducing the chance of disease transmission to red squirrels. The grey squirrel control effort required to remove… […]

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Community Hub FAQs

…do? On the group homepage map, the Layers button allows you to add different datasets to the map, including red and grey squirrel sightings and control data, as well as your network boundaries. How do we link our group page on the SSRS site to our Facebook group? The Facebook icon in the top-right of the website is part 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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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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This Year's Sightings