Reviewing the Scottish Strategy for Red Squirrel Conservation

…Scottish Squirrel Group have been tasked with drafting an ambitious 50-year vision for red squirrel conservation in Scotland. The revised Strategy will cover a 10-year timeline (2025 – 2035) informed by this vision, and will be developed using the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Guidelines for Species Conservation Planning, the gold standard for species conservation planning which… […]

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Red squirrels and biosecurity

…in East Anglia in the 1980’s and has gradually moved northwards. Red squirrels, (Sciurus vulgaris) our native species, are under threat from loss of habitat and competition with the larger introduced grey squirrel. Now it has been found that when there is cross-infection with the pox virus from grey squirrel carriers, eradication of the reds can be around 20% faster… […]

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News: Red letter day – Plean’s first red squirrel entered home through letterbox

…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… […]

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Knowledge Fair – celebrating five years of community action

  In December over 100 SSRS volunteers, landowners and other supporters joined us online to celebrate the end of the project’s ‘Developing Community Action‘ phase. The two-day Knowledge Fair featured presentations and panel discussions on all that the project has achieved over the past five years. It was also an opportunity to learn more about the red squirrel conservation work… […]

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

…The grey squirrel is an invasive species that was introduced to Britain from North America. They out-compete red squirrels for food and living space and some also carry squirrelpox, a virus that doesn’t harm grey squirrels but is deadly to reds. Grey squirrels were first introduced to Aberdeen in the 1970s, rapidly spreading throughout the city and into surrounding Aberdeenshire,… […]

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Community Hub

…of an independent volunteer group in the south of Scotland you can access additional Hub features by joining your local network group (you’ll need to register to create an account first). Once you have joined someone will be in touch to discuss your volunteering role, or add you to the private grey squirrel control and/or survey groups if applicable.  … […]

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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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New Conservation Officer calls for the public to help protect red squirrels in the Scottish Borders

…Reserve said: “We have a real opportunity to turn the tide and help conserve our red squirrels, but this is only possible with everyone’s involvement. There is a big task ahead of us and I am looking forward to working alongside the rest of the team in helping the red squirrel thrive in the Scottish Borders.” SSRS is a partnership… […]

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SSRS Knowledge Fair

…and beyond; and to look ahead to a future of working together to protect one of Scotland’s most iconic species. The online event will include a variety of talks, workshops and networking opportunities, as well as virtual exhibitions from some of our volunteers and partner organisations. Event access Click ‘reset password’ to set a password for the first time. You… […]

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This Year's Sightings