About Us

All staff and volunteers participating in grey squirrel control are fully trained and must follow a strict protocol. Our management methods are designed to ensure public safety, and minimising any animal distress is uppermost in our consideration. The methods we have adopted have been deemed the most humane by the European Scientific Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (2005). *Note… […]

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

…examination at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and electron microscopy at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge. Squirrelpox is a virus carried by grey squirrels which does not affect them but can be rapidly lethal when passed to red squirrels. Symptoms include ulcers, scabs and weeping lesions on the face, paws and genitalia, all of which can… […]

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News: Take a red squirrel ramble with new digital walking routes

…the species, their habitat and efforts to protect them. The ‘Red Squirrel Ramble’ trails guide walkers through ancient and historic woodlands, as well as scenic areas where red squirrels have made a recent comeback thanks to conservation efforts. Interactive walks are available at Hazlehead Park in Aberdeen, Atholl Estates’ Glen Tilt in Blair Atholl, RSPB Scotland’s Loch Lomond Reserve and… […]

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Coronavirus: Temporary suspension of SSRS non-essential volunteer work

…through the Community Hub Grey Squirrel Control Group documents, or by contacting your local Community Engagement Officer or Conservation Officer. We ask those continuing with voluntary control work to keep abreast of any further changes in the Scottish Government’s coronavirus advice and please ensure compliance with coronavirus restrictions in your local authority area by visiting https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/.   Survey volunteers All […]

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Grey squirrel control: connecting the dots

…volunteer you’ll have received a copy of this protocol as part of your training, alongside all other essential health & safety documentation. It’s a good idea to look over these regularly, and the easiest way to keep up-to-date is by joining the SSRS Community Hub. There you’ll find all the latest versions of grey squirrel control documentation, as well as… […]

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Tayside

…Aberdeenshire, and northwards along the Tay and Tummel, so there is still a lot of work to do to fully protect red squirrels in the region. Red squirrel recovery – Analysis of trapping results has shown both a decline in grey squirrel numbers in many parts of the region (to almost zero in some places) and the beginnings of a… […]

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

…National Lottery-funded project understand how the distribution of each species is changing over time, and can also alert staff to situations where grey squirrels are posing an immediate threat to the local red population. The Great Scottish Squirrel Survey week will also feature a programme of online and outdoor events across the country. More information can be found here.  … […]

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A lucky escape!

…so on. One of our survey volunteers, Gus, was away with his class on a field trip to Mar Lodge Estate in the Cairngorms. A stunning place a with a lot of wildlife, as any of you who have ever watched BBC Autumn or Winterwatch will know. Gus set up his camera in the woods and put a wee bit… […]

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This Year's Sightings