Busy breeding

…of factors including availability of food, weather, and body condition. Body weight, closely linked to food abundance, is integral to breeding success; female squirrels must reach a minimum weight to breed (around 280-300g). In areas where food is plentiful, two litters of kittens (or kits) may be born, the first in early spring (Feb/Mar) and the second in summer (May/June)…. […]

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Community Hub

…of an independent volunteer group in the south of Scotland you can access additional Hub features by joining your local network group (you’ll need to register to create an account first). Once you have joined someone will be in touch to discuss your volunteering role, or add you to the private grey squirrel control and/or survey groups if applicable.  … […]

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Community action in Galloway

…in Northumberland!). I also saw the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group come into existence in 2014 and was persuaded to start up a group in Gatehouse in early 2015. Although we only get odd sightings of greys here, individuals testing positive for squirrelpox have previously been recovered from surrounding Newton Stewart, Dalbeattie and New Galloway, so the need for grey control… […]

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To feed or not to feed?

…disinfectant (obtainable from pet supplies or the RSPB) before refilling with food. Provide a source of water if it is not naturally available. When should I feed squirrels and how often? Sometimes red squirrels can become dependent on supplementary food. Try to avoid feeding them in such amounts that they don’t need to look elsewhere! It is best to feed… […]

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

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is calling on the public to take part in the nationwide Great Scottish Squirrel Survey between 20-26 September (National Red Squirrel Week). Now in its third year, the survey is needed more than ever due to the impact of Covid-19. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) is a partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, which… […]

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Suspected squirrelpox cases on the Solway Coast

…any wildlife feeding stations. We also ask that people across the Solway Coast please ensure that all garden feeding stations are regularly cleaned with an anti-viral solution such as Virkon S, which is available to purchase online in tablet and powder form. If you see a sick red squirrel, either in your garden, or while outdoors exercising, please contact squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk…. […]

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News: Get squirrel spotting during the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey next week!

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is calling on members of the public to take part in the nationwide Great Scottish Squirrel Survey now taking place between 10-16 October (National Red Squirrel Week). Now in its fourth year, the squirrel spotting campaign is hoping to build on the previous successes of this important effort. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) is a partnership… […]

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Great Scottish Squirrel Survey

…the situation. What makes the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey so great is that anyone can take part from anywhere in Scotland. Areas of known squirrel territory are equally important as those where few squirrels have been seen before. You can view all our previous sightings records here. Last year over 650 people reported 790 squirrel sightings in just one week…. […]

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A lucky escape!

…to see this- watch it right to the end! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZXZfnzXA4E This footage was caught just after 6am in early May. It clearly shows a tawny owl swoop in and land on the tree just above where the squirrel was. Amazing! Now what we don’t know is what the tawny owl was up to. It may well have been sizing up… […]

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Community Hub FAQs

…will accept your request and/or be in touch to discuss. If applicable they will also send you an invite to join the private survey and grey control groups Note: if your local group is not currently operating independently from SSRS, you may still be required to join the SSRS volunteering group and enter your details as prompted. Your group’s Hub… […]

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This Year's Sightings