News: First death of red squirrel from squirrelpox virus confirmed north of Scotland’s Central Belt

…concerned about this latest news and are asking the local community in Dunfermline to take immediate action and protect red squirrels by taking in all garden and woodland wildlife feeders for the next month, as these can contribute to the spread of the disease from greys to reds and between reds once infected. We are also asking for everybody to… […]

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News: ‘Booster’ project will protect Scotland’s red squirrels for another two years

them to become fully community-led. In the North East, the project has worked towards the removal of an isolated population of grey squirrels that was introduced to Aberdeen in the 1970s and spread to the surrounding countryside. Today, grey squirrels are largely limited to the centre of the city and eradication is considered achievable. In the Central Lowlands, grey squirrels… […]

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Argyll, Trossachs & Stirling

…a fantastic way to connect with nature and support your local area’s special native wildlife. Our volunteers are provided with the training and resources they need to participate. If you are interesting in volunteering with the project, please contact your local SSRS staff for more information.   Landowners Landowners in certain areas can control grey squirrels under Forestry Grant Scheme… […]

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Tayside

…Aberdeenshire, and northwards along the Tay and Tummel, so there is still a lot of work to do to fully protect red squirrels in the region. Red squirrel recovery – Analysis of trapping results has shown both a decline in grey squirrel numbers in many parts of the region (to almost zero in some places) and the beginnings of a… […]

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Activities

…a piece of nature indoors with these fun filled squirrel themed activities. Get crafty with everyday materials from around your home, or explore your garden or local patch with a scavenger hunt challenge. Get started by selecting an activity type from the list below, following links for instructions, worksheets and printouts.   Crafts Make your own squirrel Not been able… […]

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News: Help stop the spread of grey squirrels in the Mearns

…squirrels is now largely contained within Aberdeen’s city limits and red squirrels are increasingly seen in the city’s parks and gardens. Grey squirrels spreading from Angus into Aberdeenshire not only threatens the local red squirrel population in the Mearns but it could also jeopardise the project’s success in Aberdeen. The introduction of squirrelpox into North East Scotland could be devastating… […]

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For nature, go native

  Research carried out in Northern Ireland has highlighted the importance of native woodland for the long-term protection of red squirrels. The research modelled red squirrel populations in non-native conifer forests with the presence of pine martens— a natural predator to the red squirrel in both Scotland and Northern Ireland. Pine martens had been persecuted to near-extinction in Scotland, but… […]

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Notice for Spring Survey volunteers

…be donated to a nearby Volunteer Group or you are welcome to use this in your own garden. South East Scotland Guidance and instructions for remaining Spring Survey equipment and supplies will be issued shortly.   If traveling to feeder box locations please adhere to Government guidelines and visit https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/ for the latest information on restrictions in your local area…. […]

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Southern Uplands Partnership Guest Blog: Funding Success for Red Squirrel Recovery Network

…over £250,000 are assessed in two rounds. Red Squirrel recovery Network has initially been granted round one development funding of £158,600 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award. As… […]

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South Scotland

…grey squirrel control in key areas. Join a Local Group   Achievements to date Increase in grey squirrel control – Analysis of trapping results has shown an increase in grey squirrel detection, largely due to the increase in control activity across the region by volunteers and landowners, with volunteer cull contributions rising from 1.3% to 27% in the last four… […]

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This Year's Sightings