Original Author: Lorna Hutchison Most people seem to think that taking school children into the woods getting them to cook lunch on an open campfire, then giving them axes and knives is crazy. But not at Green Aspirations. Over the last few weeks of the summer holidays I joined the team at Green Aspirations and school pupils from all… […]
…ensuring that this vital work is sustained long-term. Eileen Stuart, NatureScot Deputy Director of Nature and Climate Change, said: “The red squirrel is one of our most iconic species, and it’s heartening to reflect on the progress that has been made through this project to protect and expand populations. It is particularly encouraging to see the number of individuals, communities… […]
…Aberdeenshire. Red squirrels have begun to recolonise many areas, including the outskirts of Aberdeen. The red squirrel was spotted by Gina Ganzenmueller Dr Gwen Maggs, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Conservation Officer for North East Scotland said: “The project has been working along the River Dee for ten years, with help from dedicated volunteers participating in our trap-loan scheme. “As… […]
…safe haven for red squirrels and free from greys thanks to the hard work of staff, landowners, partner organisations and volunteers working along the geographical diagonal Highland Boundary Fault Line to stop grey incursion northwards. The results of the survey also reflect the significant success of efforts in Aberdeen over recent years, with only very small numbers reported from the… […]
…of golden eagles in the south of Scotland. Since 2018, the project has doubled the population of golden eagles in the south of Scotland, through a series of translocations. As they settle into their new home, the young golden eagle juveniles initially require help to feed. Cat Barlow, Project Manager for the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project explains: “We… […]
…of habitat the squirrel was spotted in. Having a basic knowledge of tree identification comes in helpful here and sharing this allows us to investigate which habitats squirrels appear to be thriving in. Spotting the difference between a coniferous and deciduous tree in autumn is simple. Deciduous trees with broad leaves, change colour and often lose their leaves at this… […]
…when squirrelpox is present. What about creating red squirrel sanctuaries? Sanctuaries could allow red squirrels to survive in small numbers in specific places in Scotland. The project collaborates with Scottish Forestry in developing ‘red squirrel strongholds’, nineteen large woodland networks that could serve as refuges for red squirrels if their decline were allowed to continue. These predominantly Sitka spruce forests… […]
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is calling on members of the public to take part in the nationwide Great Scottish Squirrel Survey now taking place between 10-16 October (National Red Squirrel Week). Now in its fourth year, the squirrel spotting campaign is hoping to build on the previous successes of this important effort. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) is a partnership… […]
…is a great way for us to conduct supplementary monitoring for red and grey squirrels between the surveys and in some cases this has proven very useful, like when species are recorded in a woodland where we have never recorded them before. I have to say the most exciting moment was back in November, when I caught a pine marten… […]
…squirrels. We want to especially encourage people to visit woodlands and areas where less sightings have been recorded before, as well as better-known squirrel stomping grounds.” Eileen Stuart, Deputy Director of Nature and Climate Change at NatureScot, said: “With invasive non-native species costing Scotland at least £499m a year and posing one of the biggest threats to Scotland’s nature, we’re… […]
