News: Suspected squirrelpox outbreak near Lockerbie threatens local red squirrel population

…red squirrel is advised not to approach it, but instead contact the project for advice. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is a partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and supported by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, along with other partners. For further information please contact Nicole Still, nstill@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk, 07423 028689… […]

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News: The Great Scottish Squirrel Survey returns in an important year for squirrel sightings

…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… […]

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For nature, go native

commercial conifers – to red squirrels. The researchers, together with Ulster Wildlife, bring into question red squirrel conservation strategies that focus on the planting of such forests.   Scotland’s conifer forests In Scotland, non-native conifer forests are planted for commercial purposes. By the 1930s red squirrel populations were in serious decline in the UK, but the extensive conifer planting that… […]

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News: First death of red squirrel from squirrelpox virus confirmed north of Scotland’s Central Belt

…scottishsquirrels.org.uk, along with emailing photos of sick reds to squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk. Details for how to post carcasses to the Vet School can also be found on the site. Although squirrelpox is not considered harmful to humans, anyone who sees a sick red squirrel is advised not to approach it, but instead contact the project for advice. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is… […]

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2024 Great Scottish Squirrel Survey

…us by using the hashtag #GreatScottishSquirrelSurvey. Don’t forget to follow us on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook for the latest Great Scottish Squirrel Survey news.   Get Involved There are a variety of outdoor and online events happening throughout the Survey week, see below & check out our events page for more details. If you are a member of a… […]

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Seasonal Squirrels Part 3: Autumn!

…Participating in the survey is simple and rewarding – you go outside, spot a squirrel (red or grey), and record your sighting – helping to collect valuable information that will inform future conservation action. Find out more about the survey at scottishsquirrels.org.uk/2024-great-scottish-squirrel-survey/ But for now, let’s get into notable red squirrel behaviours to look out for this autumn! Natural Foragers… […]

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News: Record participation in national squirrel survey

  A record number of squirrel sightings were reported by the public during September’s Great Scottish Squirrel Survey. 2,100 people – three times the number who took part in the first national survey in 2019 – logged over 3,000 sightings of red and grey squirrels, creating a Scotland-wide snapshot and providing valuable data for conservationists.   The Great Scottish Squirrel… […]

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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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News: ‘Booster’ project will protect Scotland’s red squirrels for another two years

  The Scottish Wildlife Trust is pleased to announce that the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project has secured initial funding for a two-year transitional project phase in April 2022.   This ‘booster’ phase will enable the project to complete its aims and plan for the long-term future, leaving a legacy of sustainable and community-led red squirrel conservation across the south… […]

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Squirrel Sightings: an inside look

  We are fast approaching the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey 2021, and following last year’s fantastic response we are really looking forward to seeing this year’s results. For those who haven’t participated before, the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey is a week-long event in September when we call on the general public to keep an eye out for red and grey… […]

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This Year's Sightings