When squirrelpox first arrived in the south of Scotland in 2005, there were fears that the virus would prove devastating to the region’s red squirrels. The project was also concerned that without conservation action the virus would continue to spread north towards Scotland’s core red squirrel populations in the Highlands. Prof Andy White of Heriot-Watt University and Dr Peter… […]
…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… […]
… Landowners Landowners in certain areas can control grey squirrels under Forestry Grant Scheme funding, or join the project’s trap-loan scheme. Woodland owners, meanwhile, can adjust the management of their woods to benefit red squirrels. Please contact your local SSRS or Scottish Forestry staff for more information. Area Contact Susie McNaughton Conservation Officer smcnaughton@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk Peter Harrison Conservation Officer pharrison@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk… […]
…risk to reds is low. So far we have found that the virus is only detectable in about 10% of our Plean samples, and in 2019 we were unable to detect any incidence in the Plean area. In most of the locations we have detected squirrelpox antibodies in grey squirrels in the Central Lowlands, there have been no red squirrels… […]
Over £1m in new funding has been announced to aid red squirrel conservation efforts in key areas across Scotland for the next two years. A total grant of £1,052,796 has been awarded by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot, which supports the restoration of wildlife and habitats across the country. The new funds will support the Scottish… […]
…of grey squirrels. In Tayside, the project is focused on what is known as the ‘Highland Line’ – a 10km-wide strip which runs from Montrose, through Kirriemuir, Dunkeld, Crieff and beyond to the west. Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts along the Highland Line, Aberfeldy and the surrounding area has typically been considered a safe haven for our native species. This… […]
…Scotland. We wish them both well in their new ventures and thank them for all their hard work on behalf of red squirrel conservation in Scotland. We will miss Ryan’s dry humour and Lucy’s calm approach to absolutely everything. If you would like to work with us at Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels follow the links for more information: https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/job/conservation-and-control-officer-stirlingshire-argyll-trossachs/ https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/job/project-officer-south-east-scotland-saving-scotlands-red-squirrels/… […]
Republished from 09/17/2021 by Victoria Chanin The Great Scottish Squirrel Survey 2022 is right around the corner, and now in its fourth year, we are very excited to see this year’s results! For those who haven’t participated before, the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey is a week-long event in the autumn during National Red Squirrel Awareness Week when we call… […]
… Conservation Officer Location: National Park Headquarters, Balloch – home-working possible Region: Argyll & Trossachs Contract: 21 hours per week (0.6FTE) until March 2024 Closing date: 20 March 2022 The successful candidate will lead on the implementation of the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project across Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and parts of Stirling and Argyll, in accordance… […]
…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… […]
