For nature, go native

non-native grey squirrels, pine martens and red squirrels have evolved to co-exist in our natural ecosystem. However, a new paper from Queen’s University Belfast and University of St Andrews suggests that in non-native conifer forests, the presence of pine martens may cause a decline in red squirrels. The predator’s appetite switches from grey squirrels – which are often absent in… […]

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Community Hub FAQs

…to join the private survey and grey control groups if applicable   South Scotland network volunteers (independent groups) – Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders Go to www.scottishsquirrels.org.uk Click the Hub Login box, then click Register Once registered, login with your details Find your local group’s homepage and click ‘Join group’ to send the request. The group’s Hub Admin… […]

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Lovely dreich days in the west

…red squirrels and they take advantage of ripe cone crops to gather energy for the colder weather and bulk up after slow summer months. Conifer crops on the transects have been positive with many areas producing a bounty of autumn delicacies. I came across the remains of a squirrel feast on this tree trunk that has been used as a… […]

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Speakers FAQs

…a mp4 file. Full instructions are on the Microsoft website. If you are simply going to be talking to the camera then a smartphone will provide sufficient quality in most cases. Make sure your phone is in landscape mode and on a stand / propped up somewhere steady. An indoor location with soft furnishings will provide the best sound quality…. […]

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Great Scottish Squirrel Survey

…the situation. What makes the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey so great is that anyone can take part from anywhere in Scotland. Areas of known squirrel territory are equally important as those where few squirrels have been seen before. You can view all our previous sightings records here. Last year over 650 people reported 790 squirrel sightings in just one week…. […]

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News: Take a red squirrel ramble with new digital walking routes

…the species, their habitat and efforts to protect them. The ‘Red Squirrel Ramble’ trails guide walkers through ancient and historic woodlands, as well as scenic areas where red squirrels have made a recent comeback thanks to conservation efforts. Interactive walks are available at Hazlehead Park in Aberdeen, Atholl Estates’ Glen Tilt in Blair Atholl, RSPB Scotland’s Loch Lomond Reserve and… […]

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News: The Great Scottish Squirrel Survey returns in an important year for squirrel sightings

…at scottishsquirrels.org.uk.” 2020’s Great Scottish Squirrel Survey was a record-breaking year, with 3160 squirrel sightings reported in just one week. Sightings help SSRS create a picture of the situation on the ground, and directly contribute to red squirrel conservation action. This year’s Great Scottish Squirrel Survey is all the more important because Covid-19 lockdown restrictions forced the cancellation of the… […]

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This Year's Sightings