Sharing the love for south Scotland’s red squirrels

…freely giving their time to protect red squirrels. They work with passion, enthusiasm and commitment, and have a massive amount of knowledge which they willingly share. For me, this demonstrates a key point for learning and how we can further our knowledge and skills base, even in an area which is new to us. Engaging children in red squirrel conservation… […]

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Faces Old and New at Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels

…time for red squirrel conservation.   Nicole Still: Programme Manager Nicole joined the SSRS team in June 2022 as the new Programme Manager to oversee the team’s operations across Scotland and lead the delivery the Transition Phase’s legacy aims. Originally from the Great Lakes region in the US, Nicole has spent the last decade studying and working in temperate forests… […]

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For nature, go native

…positive impact on red squirrel populations in Scotland. Landscape-scale grey squirrel control is a considerable conservation challenge, so it’s encouraging to know that pine martens are lending a helping hand, and may even take over much of our work in the future. More research is required to better understand if the situation in Scotland’s conifer forests would differ from Northern… […]

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Squirrel Spring Antics

Young squirrels are making their first trips out into the woods this month. Keep your eyes open for mini-squirrels with fresh fluffy tails and let us know where you spotted them. We’d love to hear if squirrels are breeding near you!   Our native red squirrel is a truly endearing wee creature. More demure and delicate in appearance, than the… […]

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Community Hub

…local red squirrel network to connect with others in their area. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels volunteers can also use the Hub to access additional resources as well as submit and view data online. WATCH THE HUB USER VIDEO GUIDES DOWNLOAD THE HUB USER GUIDE PDF HUB FAQS   Join the Hub Not yet a member? Anyone can register to create… […]

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Join the community: introducing our new website

depending on your location and interests.   Become an expert squirrel spotter Last year we received a record-breaking 5300 squirrel sightings on our website. Each sighting is added to a national database, helping us better understand squirrel distribution across Scotland. If you’re a dedicated squirrel spotter, you can now register with the Hub to keep a personal record of your… […]

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Call for Scots to become a nation of squirrel spotters this Red Squirrel Week

…red and grey squirrel sightings or by getting involved with a local volunteer group. Over 5000 squirrel sightings were reported in 2017 but with the launch of their new Hub, SSRS is this year looking to hit the 10,000 target. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Project Manager, Dr Mel Tonkin said: “For Red Squirrel Week, we’re launching a brand new website… […]

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A red squirrel treasure hunt

…thrive in broadleaf woodland when they aren’t under threat from competition with grey squirrels. In fact, because they feed on such a wide variety of foods they often do best when they have access to both. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels offers advice to woodland managers and owners to help them make choices that will protect and enhance their local red… […]

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Local update: getting into the squirrel spirit

…and grey. Your sightings really help us to know what’s happening in the region and to target our efforts effectively. Keep them coming!   We really have gotten into the squirrel spirit, with squirrel-shaped gingerbread to celebrate Red Squirrel Week back at the end of September, and a recent visit from ‘Sandy the squirrel’ at Balmaha National Park Visitor Centre…. […]

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Sprinting Winter Squirrels

…making “chucking” noises, clattering their claws on the tree limb and lashing his tail playfully once she emerges from the drey. She will usually groom thoroughly and then move off, with the male following. If the female decides her personal space has been invaded, she may turn on the male, “chuck” at him and flick her tail angrily. Or she… […]

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This Year's Sightings