A red squirrel treasure hunt

…thrive in broadleaf woodland when they aren’t under threat from competition with grey squirrels. In fact, because they feed on such a wide variety of foods they often do best when they have access to both. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels offers advice to woodland managers and owners to help them make choices that will protect and enhance their local red… […]

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Local update: getting into the squirrel spirit

…and grey. Your sightings really help us to know what’s happening in the region and to target our efforts effectively. Keep them coming!   We really have gotten into the squirrel spirit, with squirrel-shaped gingerbread to celebrate Red Squirrel Week back at the end of September, and a recent visit from ‘Sandy the squirrel’ at Balmaha National Park Visitor Centre…. […]

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Sprinting Winter Squirrels

…making “chucking” noises, clattering their claws on the tree limb and lashing his tail playfully once she emerges from the drey. She will usually groom thoroughly and then move off, with the male following. If the female decides her personal space has been invaded, she may turn on the male, “chuck” at him and flick her tail angrily. Or she… […]

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Get Involved

endangered animal. Your plastic-free adoption pack (fulfilled by the Scottish Wildlife Trust) will include a personalised certificate, a beautiful wooden keyring, a papercraft model of the species, a fact file and much more. Adopt a red squirrel Join our trap loan scheme We are protecting Scotland’s red squirrels through targeted grey squirrel control in key strategic areas. For our work… […]

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Squirrel Sightings: an inside look

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… […]

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Studying the life of the urban red squirrel

…the global population are predicted to be living in urban areas by 2050, altering the natural environment and presenting new challenges for our wildlife species. Historically, urban areas have been ignored as suitable wildlife habitats. However, there is increasing evidence that these environments can have plentiful resources and support a wide range of biodiversity, so there has been a growing… […]

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HRH The Prince of Wales gives special thanks to volunteers on Red Squirrel Appreciation Day

…its presence, the benchmark. As you will all know so well, these charming and intelligent creatures never fail to delight. I take enormous pleasure in having them around – and in! – the house when I am at home in Scotland. They are such inquisitive and delightful characters; they have even been known to hunt down a few of their… […]

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Squirrel Sightings: an inside look

…a recent report of a grey squirrel seen near Loch Katrine was worrying and surprising, as it has been a stronghold for red squirrels for many years, and is some distance from the nearest grey squirrel population. Swift action ensured that the squirrel was captured, and since then local people have kept a sharp eye out to make sure there… […]

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Introducing the newest faces of our scurry

…Conservation Officer for North East Scotland Emma joined us in April as our new Conservation Officer for North East Scotland, as a highly experienced red squirrel and pine marten researcher. Since starting the role, she has been focusing on the eradication of Aberdeen’s urban grey squirrel population, returning reds to the parks and gardens of Aberdeen and halting the spread… […]

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This Year's Sightings