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

…Executive Jo Pike said: “We’re delighted to have secured funding to enable the two-year transition phase to take place. The strength of the collaboration between partners, the quality of the data and evidence gathering, and the extraordinary contribution from volunteers have all combined to make this a project that is rightly viewed as an exemplar of invasive non-native species control…. […]

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A lucky escape!

Original Author: Steve Willis   Sometimes trail cameras pick up some pretty unusual animal behaviour…   The SSRS team use trail cameras for much of our survey work. As these amazing devices have come down in price their popularity has risen and risen. And for good reason too – they are unobtrusive ways to observe your local wildlife. Even setting… […]

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News: The Great Scottish Squirrel Survey returns in an important year for squirrel sightings

…is working in priority areas across Scotland to protect red squirrels from the spread of the non-native grey squirrel. Gill Hatcher, SSRS Communications & Engagement Officer said: “We are asking everyone in Scotland to go out and enjoy the outdoors during Red Squirrel Week, look out for both red and grey squirrels and add your sightings to our online map… […]

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Suspected squirrelpox cases on the Solway Coast

…are asking people living within these areas to be extra vigilant. Squirrelpox is a virus carried by grey squirrels without causing them any harm. However, if spread to red squirrels the disease is deadly. Red squirrels develop wet pus-filled lesions on their faces, particularly around the eyes, nose and mouth, as well as on their paws and genitalia. They become… […]

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All things invasive with the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative

…staggering 94% decline in native water vole populations? The American skunk-cabbage plant does actually smell as bad as a skunk….   White butterburr was imported as a garden ornamental from mainland Europe and SW Asia and escaped into the wild.   What is an Invasive Species? There are around 2,000 non-native plants and animals in the UK, these non-native species… […]

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Welcoming volunteers back into the field this Volunteers’ Week

…the last year. We have been blown away by the enthusiasm and commitment that volunteers have shown throughout this difficult time. Creativity is one thing that certainly hasn’t been restricted, as we’ve witnessed Red Squirrel Network Groups adapt and rise to the challenge – from producing calendars for raising funds, to engaging with local schools and sharing educational activities online…. […]

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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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Get Involved

…Choose A Specific Appeal to ensure your donation goes toward protecting Scotland’s red squirrels. Make a donation Adopt a red squirrel Scotland’s native red squirrels need your help! Only around 120,000 remain here in the wild, and without urgent action they could be lost forever. By adopting one you will be helping to secure the future of this beautiful and… […]

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This Year's Sightings