Invasive Non-Native Species Week 2025 – The grey threat

A non-native species is a species that has been introduced to an area where it doesn’t naturally occur. Most of these are harmless but some threaten native species. These are called invasive non-native species (INNS). INNS have been identified as one of the top causes of global biodiversity loss. In Scotland, one of the most prominent INNS is the grey… […]

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An Introduction to Squirrels in Scotland

…There are now approximately 160,000 native red squirrels in Britain, of which over 75% live in Scotland Since the introduction of grey squirrels, they have become widespread across Britain due to their ability to adapt to new environments. They have also introduced the squirrel pox virus which, although catastrophic to red squirrels, appears to leave grey squirrels relatively unharmed due… […]

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New sightings signal red squirrels’ return to Aberdeen city parks and gardens

…if these beautiful animals were to settle in the institute grounds and become a regular sight.” While three quarters of the UK’s red squirrels are found in Scotland, their numbers have fallen drastically to just 120,000. This is largely due to the spread of the grey squirrel, which was first introduced to Britain from North America in the mid-19th Century…. […]

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Call to report red squirrel sightings in Dumfries & Galloway

…fallen drastically to just 120,000. This is largely due to the spread of the grey squirrel, which was first introduced to Britain from North America in the mid-19th Century. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is a partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and made possible thanks to National Lottery players and the Dumfries & Galloway LEADER 2014 – 2020… […]

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How many red squirrels are there in Scotland?

…us a good indication of whether that tetrad contains red squirrels, grey squirrels, both species, or no squirrels. Of course, in one year a feeder box may not be visited by every species in the area, but when compared over the course of many years, this landscape-scale approach to monitoring can provide a strong indication of how both species are… […]

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Great Scottish Squirrel Survey 2021: the results

…the opportunity to get to know their local patch of nature. However, clearly many people have caught the squirrel-spotting bug as we have still received more than 13,000 sightings to our website so far this year. Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in our citizen science campaign, and to all the organisations, community groups and volunteers… […]

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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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SNOW DAY!

…potentially, work with children. Get out and make one, yourselves, the next time that there’s a big dump of snow! Please post any pictures of your snow squirrels (or their woodland friends) on our Facebook page, after you “like” it: https://www.facebook.com/SavingScotlandsRedSquirrels While you’re out there, keep an eye out for either squirrel species and record them here on our website…. […]

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How can mathematical modelling help save red squirrels in Scotland?

…fatal within two weeks. Image © William Lee   Protecting the Central Lowlands In the Central Lowlands of Scotland, the models predicted that: Without control efforts, squirrelpox can spread rapidly through high density grey populations. Squirrelpox outbreaks in red squirrels cause population crashes, making red populations more vulnerable to replacement and extinction. Outbreaks in red squirrel populations only occur in… […]

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Red Squirrel Rambles

Take a walk on the wild side Learn about one of Scotland’s most iconic yet threatened species while exploring their natural habitat. Join us on a Red Squirrel Ramble through some of our favourite woodland walks, on the lookout for tufted ears and bushy tails. We’ve curated five walking routes from the parks and gardens of North East Scotland, to… […]

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This Year's Sightings