All things invasive with the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative

…are species that have been transported here from their native range with the assistance of humans (either deliberately or accidently). Of these only 10-15% go on to cause problems, having a negative impact on our environment, our economy or our way of life – these are termed as invasive non-native species.   Why are invasives problematic? Invasive species are problematic… […]

Read More…

Welcoming volunteers back into the field this Volunteers’ Week

…the Community Hub Grey Squirrel Control Group documents for control volunteers, or by contacting your local Community Engagement Officer or Conservation Officer for other volunteer activities. We will continue to keep all of our volunteers fully informed of any changes to guidance and if you have any questions or concerns around outdoor volunteering at this time, please contact your local… […]

Read More…

Suspected squirrelpox cases on the Solway Coast

…any wildlife feeding stations. We also ask that people across the Solway Coast please ensure that all garden feeding stations are regularly cleaned with an anti-viral solution such as Virkon S, which is available to purchase online in tablet and powder form. If you see a sick red squirrel, either in your garden, or while outdoors exercising, please contact squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk…. […]

Read More…

Community Hub FAQs

…provide more detailed help: Sign up videos Hub user guide Grey control – you need to have been invited to this group by SSRS staff Survey – you need to have been invited to this group by SSRS staff Further resources If you still have problems, contact squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk or your Hub Admin if you are part of a Volunteer Network…. […]

Read More…

A lucky escape!

…would be reported, simply out of interest. There can’t be that much overlap between the strictly diurnal (active in daylight) red squirrel and the generally nocturnal tawny owl. Perhaps this owl was feeding young and was desperate for food! Anyway, the red squirrel lived to fight another day which is good, and we wish that feisty tawny owl well too!… […]

Read More…

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… […]

Read More…

News: Get squirrel spotting during the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey next week!

…on a record-breaking turnout in 2020, last year’s 2021 Great Scottish Squirrel Survey saw 1549 squirrel sightings reported in just one week by nearly 1100 people across Scotland. Sightings help project staff to create a picture of the situation on the ground, and directly contribute to red squirrel conservation action. Since the end of the project’s spring surveys in 2020,… […]

Read More…

Great Scottish Squirrel Survey

…Let’s make this year’s survey even greater! Report your sighting Kids worksheet     Find out more Why do we need this data? SSRS has been collecting public squirrel sightings since 2010, last year we received a massive 10,484 sightings with the help of the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey, giving us our third highest recording year to date. The data… […]

Read More…

Speaking up for Red Squirrels in the Consultation on Scotland’s Strategic Framework for Biodiversity

…in Scotland The emphasis in the Framework on habitat connectivity is very positive, however connecting habitats will also enhance the ability of grey squirrels and other INNS to spread. Grey squirrel control and monitoring should be considered in the management planning for all of the landscape elements included in the Framework, i.e., Nature Networks, 30 by 30 protected areas, nature… […]

Read More…

This Year's Sightings