…project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and made possible thanks to National Lottery players. Anyone can support the project by reporting their sightings of both red and grey squirrels at scottishsquirrels.org.uk. For those who want to take a more active role in the project, volunteer roles include carrying out surveys or helping to control grey squirrels in the project’s… […]
…is responsible for the day-to-day management of the project. Visit website NatureScot NatureScot is the Scottish Government’s statutory advisor on the conservation, enhancement, enjoyment, understanding and sustainable use of our natural heritage. NatureScot has taken a leading role in red squirrel conservation since the species was first identified as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. NatureScot is… […]
…and Sarah aren’t working alone. They’re supported by the project’s Grey Squirrel Officers, not to mention the strong networks of local volunteers working together for the same cause. Not sure who to contact? Email the project via the website or call the Scottish Wildlife Trust reception on 0131 312 7765 and we can point you in the right direction. You… […]
There are over 200 species of squirrel across the globe, and Scotland is home to just two of them, the Eurasian Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) and the Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Grey squirrels, which are native to North America, were introduced to Britain in 1876, before which it is estimated that there were around 3.5 million native red squirrels…. […]
…lorry ploughed towards it! It was both exhilarating and horrifying. Fortunately the wee guy made it safely to the other side and quickly scampered off into the trees. Neil O’Donnell: Project Administrator My name is Neil O’Donnell and I’m the Project Administrator for the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrel Project. This involves supporting staff and volunteers to make sure they… […]
This Red Squirrel Week (24-30 September) the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) project is calling on Scots to lend a hand by recording sightings of red and grey squirrels in their local area. The project has created a new online Hub where people all over Scotland can help protect one of the UK’s most threatened species by reporting… […]
…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… […]
…Formed in 2014, the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group are proactively p romoting red squirrel conservation in the Glenkens and highlighting the risks posed to red squirrels from the grey squirrel – in particular the squirrelpox v irus. Bob Peace, Glenkens Group member , shared some of the crucial do’s and don’ts of managing a network. Don’t be frightened of seeking… […]
In December over 100 SSRS volunteers, landowners and other supporters joined us online to celebrate the end of the project’s ‘Developing Community Action‘ phase. The two-day Knowledge Fair featured presentations and panel discussions on all that the project has achieved over the past five years. It was also an opportunity to learn more about the red squirrel conservation work… […]
…project’s spring surveys in both 2020 and 2021. These annual systematic surveys, which used baited squirrel-hair sampling boxes at over 200 specific locations, provided robust distribution data for both red and grey squirrels that was invaluable for comparing the fortunes of squirrels from year-to-year. Project Manager Dr Mel Tonkin said: “Without the spring survey data, we need the help of… […]
