…virus on red squirrel populations in real Scottish landscapes. The approach has been pioneered by Prof. Andy White and his team at Heriot-Watt University, and the models are a cost-effective approach to guide and help maximise the success of conservation efforts. To date these models have been used to assess the risk of squirrelpox virus spread in Scotland, the effectiveness… […]
…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/… […]
…keep a personal record of your squirrel sightings. Submit a squirrel sighting Make a donation Your donation could help fund: Standardised annual surveys to monitor red and grey squirrel populations across project areas Annual testing for the spread of the Squirrelpox virus through grey squirrel populations in Scotland A team of Red Squirrel Conservation Officers, Grey Squirrel Officers and a… […]
…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… […]
…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… […]
…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… […]
…red squirrel populations across most of England, Wales and Scotland’s Central Belt. Grey squirrels can also carry squirrelpox, a virus that doesn’t harm them but is deadly to reds. One of the project’s key aims is to build a network of local volunteers in priority areas across the south of Scotland, where healthy red squirrel populations are surrounded by greys… […]
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… […]
…to protect local red squirrel populations. Registered users can keep track of their squirrel sightings, and join a local red squirrel network to connect with others in your area. Once you have become a Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels volunteer you’ll also be able to use the Hub to access training resources and materials and submit and view your data online…. […]
…we arrive to do something about it. But if we can keep the greys at bay, and thereby reduce the risk of a pox outbreak, I think we can expect to hold on to our reds for a long time to come. Road sign installed at Cally Woods, an area popular with red squirrels and tourists alike! Community support Our… […]
