…year for the species. The boom follows an exceptional beech seed crop last autumn, leading to earlier and more productive breeding this spring, and lockdown prevented the early intervention that would normally have contained this increased production. The widespread reporting of red squirrels in this survey, run in September after work resumed, gives us comfort that the red squirrel has… […]
…Our hopes and aims for next phase are ambitious, but ones that we absolutely can realise with increased landscape-scale investment from partners, stakeholders, landowners, and local community involvement. We are incredibly grateful to everyone already involved in red squirrel conservation across the country and look forward to bringing more people and organisations onboard with this important and vital work.” Dr… […]
…include weeping lesions on the face, paws and genitalia, which prevent the red squirrel from eating, drinking or moving. As a result, it is usually fatal within two weeks and an outbreak can cause local numbers to crash. Pox infected red squirrel, photographed by William Lee Andrew Hodgkinson, Project Officer for Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels said: “This is a particularly… […]
…sightings while out walking locally brought in further reports, and we were able to target close monitoring to a few specific sites. In February, we were able to confirm grey squirrel presence in Pitlochry and initiate grey squirrel control measures in early spring. Finally, we can report success in removing the first grey squirrel from Pitlochry. This may not seem… […]
…own binoculars. Start your squirrel spotting journey with a handful of materials found around the house. You’ll need two toilet roll tubes, string, paper, scissors, glue, an elastic band and a whole punch or pen. Follow the link below for our easy to follow, step by step guide: INSTRUCTIONS DOWNLOAD Make a red squirrel mask Sport those quirky tufted ears… […]
…both in Australia and the UK, as well as, working as project manager on various conservation projects within the environmental sector. Once re-opened, Lucy will be based out of our headquarters in Leith. Contact: llush@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk Victoria Chanin: Assistant Conservation Offi cer for South West Scotland Victoria may be a familiar face having previously joined the team in 2019 as… […]
…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… […]
…We very much look forward to continuing the important work to secure the future of red squirrels in Scotland.” Grey squirrels continue to pose the greatest threat to red squirrels in Scotland. An invasive species that was introduced to Britain from North America in Victorian times, grey squirrels out-compete reds for food and living space and have rapidly replaced native… […]
…not only threatens the local red squirrel population in the Mearns but it could also jeopardise the project’s success in Aberdeen. The introduction of squirrelpox into North East Scotland could be devastating for the core populations of red squirrels in the north of Scotland. For more information about volunteering with Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels visit scottishsquirrels.org.uk. VIEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES… […]
…ago with a report of a red squirrel on the outskirts of the town, followed by further red sightings popping up since. So, now that you know how the whole thing works, please get yourselves out into the woods, parks, and anywhere with trees, delight in the autumn colours creeping in, and keep your eyes peeled for squirrels! … […]