Red Squirrel Rambles

…the forests of Dumfries and Galloway in an interactive app that will guide you on your adventure. Explore with the opportunity of wild encounters, discover more about red squirrels, complete challenges and collect tokens as you go. And of course, if you see a squirrel while walking, we want to hear about it!   Download a Red Squirrel Ramble today… […]

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Southern Uplands Partnership Guest Blog: Funding Success for Red Squirrel Recovery Network

…places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are. We are passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy. Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund www.heritagefund.org.uk… […]

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How can mathematical modelling help save red squirrels in Scotland?

…areas where red and grey squirrels are living in the same or adjacent areas. Spread through ‘red only’ populations will be restricted and localised to the interface of the two species. Therefore a Scotland-wide squirrelpox epidemic is not likely in ‘red only’ areas. Beyond the interface with grey squirrels, ‘red only’ areas will remain disease free. Model simulations show that… […]

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Reports of suspected squirrelpox near Cardrona

…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 any sick red squirrels or grey squirrels at the feeding stations, please take them down and contact squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk. All other sightings can be reported through our website at https://scottishsquirrels.org.uk/squirrel-sightings/…. […]

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New Frontiers for Volunteers

…as a field technician and research assistant studying rodent populations and testing two methods for controlling the plague (Yersinia pestis) a.k.a. Black Death. There I gained a lot of hands-on experience trapping and handling rats, mice, squirrels and chipmunks, as well as the odd striped and spotted skunks (striped skunk below). Next, after 2 and a half years away I… […]

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Celebrating a red squirrel champion

…use of the skills many groups already have. The Chart gives groups full visibility of where expertise lies as well as who is asking for help on what. As the Forum covers such a wide area, even before Covid-19 struck, get-togethers were difficult, as well as being time consuming and expensive. The current restrictions prompted a digital response and Peter… […]

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Coronavirus: all SSRS outdoor volunteer work suspended

…as soon as possible (with a 10 figure grid reference for each trap or a detailed location description). Where traps are currently set, our staff will endeavour to secure them shut if at all possible. This was not an easy decision to make. Together we have made great strides in recent years, and we are fully aware that this could… […]

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

…are successfully being prevented from spreading north of the Highland Boundary Line, protecting Scotland’s core red squirrel populations in the Highlands and Grampian. Ongoing work in this region is essential, as evidenced by recent grey sightings in Aberfeldy. The project has also focussed on public engagement at both a local and nationwide level, with over 1000 people reporting squirrel sightings… […]

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To feed or not to feed?

Original Author: Alexa Seagrave   We often get asked about feeding red squirrels, and the very best thing you can do is make your garden as wildlife friendly as possible.   Planting native shrubs and small trees for berries and nuts will provide the best natural food for free and give the best nutrition. So get out there and plant… […]

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This Year's Sightings