Welcoming volunteers back into the field this Volunteers’ Week

…the last year. We have been blown away by the enthusiasm and commitment that volunteers have shown throughout this difficult time. Creativity is one thing that certainly hasn’t been restricted, as we’ve witnessed Red Squirrel Network Groups adapt and rise to the challenge – from producing calendars for raising funds, to engaging with local schools and sharing educational activities online]}**. […]

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

…at scottishsquirrels.org.uk.” 2020’s Great Scottish Squirrel Survey was a record-breaking year, with 3160 squirrel sightings reported in just one week. Sightings help SSRS create a picture of the situation on the ground, and directly contribute to red squirrel conservation action. This year’s Great Scottish Squirrel Survey is all the more important because Covid-19 lockdown restrictions forced the cancellation of the… […]

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A red squirrel first for Luss Estate

…Arrochar red squirrel spotted for the first time © Fiona Jackson   These recent sightings are a reason to celebrate, but continued conservation effort will be essential to ensure this trend continues. To keep up momentum and ensure our work is as effective as possible, we need more detailed information on what’s happening on the ground. Whether you’re a local… […]

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How can mathematical modelling help save red squirrels in Scotland?

…Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland conservation efforts. Our knowledge of squirrel reproduction, dispersal, mortality, competition and squirrelpox transmission allows us to create mathematical models that simulate how red and grey squirrel populations change over time. The models can be combined with satellite maps of forest and squirrel habitat distribution to determine, for example, the spread and impact of squirrelpox… […]

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Major boost for Scotland’s red squirrels thanks to National Lottery funding

…from communities in our three key regions to carry out practical work to protect and strengthen red squirrel populations in their local area, and in turn safeguard squirrels across Scotland. We aim to provide high quality training and support to hundreds of local people and land managers to take on a vital role in the long–term protection of the country’s… […]

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

…in areas less accessible to volunteers. Other: Data and Monitoring: the SSRS Community Hub, an online]}** nation-wide squirrel distribution monitoring and management database and volunteer support system, should continue to inform the co-ordination of red squirrel protection measures. The Scottish Squirrel Group – consisting of a wide range of government departments, agencies, and NGOs – should be reconvened to revise […]

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North East towns at the forefront of efforts to save Scotland’s red squirrels

  Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is urging the public to be on the lookout as recent grey squirrel sightings have been reported in crucial areas for red squirrel conservation. The project has received reports of recent grey squirrel activity around both Ellon and St Cyrus, prompting a call for locals to record sightings of both red and grey squirrels online]}**. […]

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News: ‘Booster’ project will protect Scotland’s red squirrels for another two years

…Executive Jo Pike said: “We’re delighted to have secured funding to enable the two-year transition phase to take place. The strength of the collaboration between partners, the quality of the data and evidence gathering, and the extraordinary contribution from volunteers have all combined to make this a project that is rightly viewed as an exemplar of invasive non-native species control…. […]

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Celebrating a red squirrel champion

…has chaired three region-wide online]}** meetings with almost all the squirrel groups represented. At its inception, the Forum was seen as a vehicle for obtaining grant-funding at scale and for the good of all. This summer Peter spearheaded a successful application to the Red Squirrel Survival Trust to equip any group lacking them with a thermal imaging scope and up […]

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This Year's Sightings