Original Author: Peter Garson Peter Garson, Chair of Gatehouse Squirrel Group and Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels volunteer, tells us about how he and his local community are working to ensure red squirrels continue to have a home in Dumfries & Galloway. When I moved to Galloway in the autumn of 2013, I was somewhat dismayed to gather just… […]
…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… […]
…squirrels seen from your window, garden or while taking daily exercise can be reported through the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels website, scottishsquirrels.org.uk. Data from sightings helps the project 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… […]
…dreys. Unlike summer dreys, which are open platforms, similar in design to birds’ nests, winter dreys are broadly spherical and enclosed, but for a small entrance hole. They are constructed of interwoven twigs on the outside with softer furnishings of moss and dried leaves to give some home comforts on the inside. New dreys are usually built, and existing ones… […]
…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… […]
…NGO which supported the Cambodian government to manage their protected area network. During my time there I developed a PhD project focusing on landscape-level decision making and national park planning. The project was recently awarded a full scholarship from the Natural Environment Research Council. So as of October I shall be starting my PhD at Stirling University, with occasional trips… […]
…actions. However, we understand that the current dire situation of red squirrels in Scotland is ultimately the fault of Victorian naturalists and explorers, not the fault of the grey squirrel (which happens to be the proximate cause of the red squirrel’s astonishing drop in numbers over the last 150 years). For the record, the team at Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels… […]
…Glenkens Red Squirrel Group was formed with a small nucleus of dedicated volunteers. Now the real hard work started. I became treasurer and other executive positions were (loosely) filled! A basic constitution was drawn up on a model provided by SSRS. An initial ‘start-up’ grant from SSRS kicked off the finances and the long process of setting up a bank… […]
…Mothers in good body condition produce heavier kits, which are subsequently more likely to survive their first year. Gestation lasts 5-6 weeks, after which time around 3-4 kits are born, although litters of up to six are possible. The blind, hairless kits, weighing 10-15g, are entirely dependent on maternal care while they are in the nest and until they are… […]
…working to monitor, promote and protect red squirrels where they live. Field equipment has a vital role to play in volunteer activities, and a recent grant of £14,120 awarded by the Red Squirrel Survival Trust to the Forum will help provide groups with game-changing tools including 10 thermal imaging scopes and 120 trail cameras. Both thermal imagers and trail cameras… […]
