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About Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is a partnership project that is working to ensure red squirrels continue to be a part of Scotland’s special native wildlife. While 75% of the UK’s remaining red squirrels are found here, their numbers have fallen drastically in recent decades. This is largely due the spread of the non-native grey squirrel,… […]

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Using camera traps to survey for squirrels

…is a great way for us to conduct supplementary monitoring for red and grey squirrels between the surveys and in some cases this has proven very useful, like when species are recorded in a woodland where we have never recorded them before. I have to say the most exciting moment was back in November, when I caught a pine marten… […]

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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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News: Duthie Park sighting marks a giant leap for Aberdeen’s red squirrels

…Aberdeenshire. Red squirrels have begun to recolonise many areas, including the outskirts of Aberdeen. The red squirrel was spotted by Gina Ganzenmueller   Dr Gwen Maggs, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Conservation Officer for North East Scotland said: “The project has been working along the River Dee for ten years, with help from dedicated volunteers participating in our trap-loan scheme. “As… […]

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An Autumn Overview of Tree ID

…of habitat the squirrel was spotted in. Having a basic knowledge of tree identification comes in helpful here and sharing this allows us to investigate which habitats squirrels appear to be thriving in. Spotting the difference between a coniferous and deciduous tree in autumn is simple. Deciduous trees with broad leaves, change colour and often lose their leaves at this… […]

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News: Moffat’s red squirrels and golden eagles team up to give native wildlife a boost

…of golden eagles in the south of Scotland. Since 2018, the project has doubled the population of golden eagles in the south of Scotland, through a series of translocations. As they settle into their new home, the young golden eagle juveniles initially require help to feed. Cat Barlow, Project Manager for the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project explains: “We… […]

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News: Public squirrel sightings soar in 2023

…safe haven for red squirrels and free from greys thanks to the hard work of staff, landowners, partner organisations and volunteers working along the geographical diagonal Highland Boundary Fault Line to stop grey incursion northwards. The results of the survey also reflect the significant success of efforts in Aberdeen over recent years, with only very small numbers reported from the… […]

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News: Report details red squirrel conservation successes, with key recommendations for the iconic species’ long-term future in Scotland.

ensuring that this vital work is sustained long-term. Eileen Stuart, NatureScot Deputy Director of Nature and Climate Change, said: “The red squirrel is one of our most iconic species, and it’s heartening to reflect on the progress that has been made through this project to protect and expand populations. It is particularly encouraging to see the number of individuals, communities… […]

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This Year's Sightings