When squirrelpox first arrived in the south of Scotland in 2005, there were fears that the virus would prove devastating to the region’s red squirrels. The project was also concerned that without conservation action the virus would continue to spread north towards Scotland’s core red squirrel populations in the Highlands. Prof Andy White of Heriot-Watt University and Dr Peter… […]
…red squirrels.Scotland is home to just 120,000 red squirrels, three quarters of the UK population. The main threat to native squirrels comes from competition with invasive non-native grey squirrels and the spread of the deadly squirrelpox virus. Dr Mel Tonkin, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Project Manager said: “Our work since 2009 shows that through targeted control of grey squirrels… […]
…keep an eye out for any buds on trees – this could be a sign that a squirrel (or other animal) has beat you to the fruit first. Additional useful links If you just can’t learn enough about Britain’s native and non-native trees, you can find out more information by following the links below. Happy tree ID-ing everyone! https://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/… […]
…be donated to a nearby Volunteer Group or you are welcome to use this in your own garden. South East Scotland Guidance and instructions for remaining Spring Survey equipment and supplies will be issued shortly. If traveling to feeder box locations please adhere to Government guidelines and visit https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/ for the latest information on restrictions in your local area…. […]
…survey period. It was lovely to meet her and see first-hand the work that she and many others dedicate to conserving our only native squirrel. The photographs below feature the survey process with Val, and exactly what she gets up to on her visits. If you like what you see, then more of my project can be seen at: www.rwitt.co.uk… […]
…baseline data across the project areas on squirrel presence/absence, grey squirrel management activity and volunteer demographics to establish the current range of volunteers as well as identify opportunities to encourage new volunteers. There will be a public awareness programme to inform the public on the relationship between squirrels and pine martens – a natural predator of squirrels, and the impact… […]
