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

…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… […]

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Get Involved

…our volunteer network directory to find out if there is a group operating in your area. Contact us or join our online Community Hub to express interest. Join a local volunteer network Landscape-scale community action is the key to the long-term survival of Scotland’s red squirrels. The project is supporting red squirrel networks across our priority areas. The networks are… […]

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Welcoming volunteers back into the field this Volunteers’ Week

…Assessment followed. Volunteers can now undertake operational survey work, which was previously suspended All face to face training activities can now recommence, including trail camera and operational survey training for volunteers In-person Volunteer Network Group meetings can now commence, adhering to Government guidelines on meeting others indoors or outdoors Leaflet drops are now permitted for volunteers As highlighted in our… […]

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Hawick, Selkirk and Denholm Red Squirrel Network – One Year Later

…old) in assistance with set up and manning of the stall. Denholm Green Jubilee Event © Jan Ferguson Changes: Firstly, subject to approval at the next AGM, it has been proposed that the group change its identity and name. This is to consider areas not included in our original PARC where the residents feel unrepresented. Secondly, we hope to be… […]

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

…vulnerable time for red squirrels, as they prepare for the upcoming mating season and increase contact with one another. We have deployed our emergency squirrelpox outbreak response measures, and as such locals can expect to see an increased staff and volunteer presence in the area as we increase grey control efforts in the region in a bid to stem the… […]

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An Introduction to Squirrels in Scotland

  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…. […]

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Leaping into the future

…populations of the Highlands, Argyll, North-East Scotland, northern Tayside and Stirling. The programme will also deliver the required support and co-ordination to voluntary groups and individuals actively delivering vital long-term protection of red squirrels in key areas across the country. In this project phase we’ll also continue to carry out vital conservation work in key areas: In the North East,… […]

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Scotland’s Red Squirrels

…ears, feet and genitalia. The infected squirrel is very quickly unable to feed properly, and rapidly becomes unwell. Squirrelpox is usually lethal in red squirrels within about 15 days of infection. The virus is already established in south Scotland, and is spreading northwards. It is likely that it will eventually spread through grey squirrel populations further north into the Central… […]

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Southern Uplands Partnership Guest Blog: Funding Success for Red Squirrel Recovery Network

over £250,000 are assessed in two rounds. Red Squirrel recovery Network has initially been granted round one development funding of £158,600 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award. As… […]

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News: Public squirrel sightings soar in 2023

…city and its outskirts. In the South of Scotland a mix of the two species remain, with volunteer groups working hard to lower grey densities in the region. Grey squirrels were introduced to Scotland in Victorian times and have since replaced the native red squirrel in many parts of the country. They out-compete reds for food and living space and… […]

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This Year's Sightings