…and give them a proper introduction. Dr Lucy Lush: Assistant Project Manager Lucy is the latest addition to the SSRS team and is working closely alongside our Programme Manager, Dr Mel Tonkin, to oversee our project operations across Scotland. Lucy joins the team with a varied background as a wildlife biologist carrying out research in mammal ecology and behaviour… […]
…the recovery of the pine marten, a protected native predator, is having clear benefits for native red squirrels in Scotland. It is a considerable challenge for us to sustain our grey squirrel control work over the long-term, and this new research gives us hope that at some point in the future, the pine marten will take over some of this… […]
…industry for 17 years, with a particular passion and expertise in mammal research and conservation. Originally from Australia, I moved to Scotland ten years ago following the completion of my doctoral research. From 2007 to 2011 I worked for Red Squirrels in South Scotland and I am very pleased to be back working on red squirrel conservation in the south… […]
Original Author: Stewart Smith – Squirrel Volunteer How do squirrels survive the winter? Do they hibernate? The cold weather is a tough time for animals, how do they managed to stay warm? Winter has arrived in Scotland. People are trudging home in the dark at 4 o’clock, and newspapers are threatening blizzards, and “the coldest winter on record”,… […]
Original Author: Lorna Hutchison Most people seem to think that taking school children into the woods getting them to cook lunch on an open campfire, then giving them axes and knives is crazy. But not at Green Aspirations. Over the last few weeks of the summer holidays I joined the team at Green Aspirations and school pupils from all… […]
Red squirrel conservation is lending a helping hand to another iconic Scottish species, the golden eagle. Grey squirrels caught as part of essential population control work in the Moffat area are being used to feed hungry juveniles that have recently been released into the surrounding hills. The Moffat & District Red Squirrel Group is a network of volunteers who… […]
…Ganzenmueller said: “After years of grey squirrel sightings I‘ve finally seen a red squirrel in my back garden. I was so excited, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I only have a small garden, but Duthie Park is not far away.” Dr Gwen Maggs added: “On the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing it’s appropriate to say that this… […]
…absence, we’ve also had recent sightings in Dunblane and Doune. Stirlingshire is an important area for red squirrel conservation because it is on the boundary between Scotland’s core red squirrel populations in the Highlands and the populations of grey squirrels that are found across the Central Belt. Grey squirrels are a non-native invasive species that was introduced to Britain from… […]
…out those binoculars. Starting with any fallen leaves… what sort of shape is it? Does it have a smooth, lobed or serrated edge? Is it textured at all? You may also find fallen cones, fruits, nuts, twigs or branches on the ground that can inch you closer and closer to making a positive ID. Always remember however, that all of… […]
…to gain the necessary body weight in the autumn and maintain it through the winter to be ready for breeding. Males come into full breeding condition by December, and will often closely attend females as they go about their day well before the females come into season. From observations of grey squirrels in captivity, it is thought that this… […]
