2020 was a year of change for many, and for Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, we were fortunate enough to welcome in new members of the team while overcoming the challenges of covid-19. Having worked from home since starting their roles, we wanted to take the opportunity to bring forward the newest faces of SSRS from behind their computer screens… […]
…will need to be taken. Before resuming activities, please contact your local Conservation Officer to discuss news ways of working and review our new risk assessment for outdoor volunteers. Surveying & monitoring The annual SSRS Spring Survey remains cancelled until its return in spring 2021, however we aim to restart supplementary squirrel monitoring activities once SSRS offices reopen. This will… […]
…aren’t any others in the area. In Helensburgh however, no red squirrels had been recorded in living memory, only greys. That changed last year with a report of a red squirrel on the outskirts of the town, followed by further red sightings this year on the other side. So, now that you know how the whole thing works, please get… […]
…website, scottishsquirrels.org.uk. The data helps the project monitor population changes over time and decide where to focus conservation efforts. Mary-Anne added: “It’s incredibly exciting that red squirrels appear to be making a comeback in Plean and other parts of Stirlingshire, but we’d like to see more evidence. Everyone can help by keeping an eye out and reporting their sightings online.”… […]
…squirrel conservationists of the future! Citizen Science Whilst we are still waiting to see a pine marten on our bird table at home, we do enjoy living with our very visible reds. I have set up a census (currently of around 20 gardens) to track the local population trend. Each month I collect two numbers from each participant: the greatest… […]
…funding was one of the first areas we needed to focus on, so a brochure was produced asking people to support the group by becoming group members for a fee of £5 per annum. Membership currently stands at 42 members (with over 200 followers on Facebook) and our members and followers are updated on our activities regularly either online or… […]
…highly invasive grey squirrel could also spread further into the Grampians and the Highlands, threatening Scotland’s largest populations of red squirrels. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is encouraging people to report sightings of both red and grey squirrels online. The project is also looking for volunteers in the area to support its vital conservation work. Sarah Woodfin, Monitoring Officer, North East… […]
…conservation measures such as grey squirrel control, disease surveillance, habitat management and impacts of land use. The timeline for developing the Strategy is to submit the first draft to Nature Scot by early 2025. The Scottish Squirrel Group has already kicked started the process with a series of online workshops held throughout February to establish the most up to date… […]
…infectivity over the long survival time of the virus and the frequency of contact on and around feeding areas that renders it so effective at transmission; making the biosecurity of such areas so important. Cleaning with soapy water and a scrubbing brush is fine for removing old food and organic material from feeding stations, but for biosecurity against pox viruses… […]
…social media advocates, community fundraisers, recruiting sergeants, etc. I hope my award inspires others to reflect on their own skills and seek to apply them energetically to red squirrel conservation, or indeed any other activity that helps to save our planet.” As Community Engagement Officer for the South West, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Peter over the… […]
