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… […]

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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… […]

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News: Public squirrel sightings soar in 2023

…public to spot and record all grey and red squirrels, a total of 1334 people took part, reporting just under 2000 red and grey squirrel sightings across the country, almost 2.5 times as many as were reporting during the 2022 survey. These sightings provide invaluable data for conservationists and scientists working on the ground to protect the endangered native red… […]

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How can we reduce road deaths?

…taking advantage of a newly installed rope bridge in Cowal. Photo: Stephen Lockhead However, not all the bridges were used by red squirrels. Stephen Lockhead concluded that these bridges were not appropriately sited. One was in an area where the canopy already touched the canopy of the opposite woodland while the other was in an area where the density of… […]

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Sprinting Winter Squirrels

…to gain the necessary body weight in the autumn and maintain it through the winter to be ready for breeding.   Males come into full breeding condition by December, and will often closely attend females as they go about their day well before the females come into season. From observations of grey squirrels in captivity, it is thought that this… […]

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Local update: getting into the squirrel spirit

Original Author: Mary-Anne Collis Conservation Officer Mary-Anne Collis gives us an update on what’s been happening in Argyll, Trossachs and Stirlingshire.   We’ve been very busy in the Argyll, Trossachs and Stirlingshire region this year. I’ve been on a personal mission to say hello to as many people as possible, spreading the word about submitting your squirrel sightings, both red… […]

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A red squirrel treasure hunt

…berries, fungi, plant shoots— even bird eggs. Cones are a particularly important source of food. If you’ve every picked one up that looks like it’s been through a shredder, it could very well be the remains of a red squirrel’s lunch. © Elana Bader However, squirrels aren’t the only animals that strip cones for their seeds. Other rodents such as… […]

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Coronavirus: Phased restart of SSRS outdoor volunteer work

…now, but we continue working from home and making progress in the field to protect red squirrels. We will continue to keep all of our volunteers fully informed of any changes to guidance. If you have any questions or concerns around outdoor volunteering at this time, please contact your local Community Engagement Officer, Conservation Officer, or contact us at squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk…. […]

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Red Squirrel Rambles

…Difficulty: Medium Wilderness Ranking: 1/3   Forestry & Land Scotland’s Dalbeattie Forest | Dumfries & Galloway Discover the mixed woodland of Dalbeattie Forest and the tranquil shores of Plantain Loch on this red squirrel route.   Duration: 60 Minutes Facilities: Parking Public Transport Available Nearby: Yes Difficulty: Medium Wilderness Ranking: 2/3     Share your adventures with us We would… […]

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This Year's Sightings