New Frontiers for Volunteers

…New Mexico, I’ve come home to see what I can do here in Scotland to help our native wildlife survive against threats of foreign diseases and invasive species. In Sweden I studied conservation biology and became especially interested in disease ecology, invasive species and wildlife management. I then moved from Sweden to a field station in New Mexico to work… […]

Read More…

Celebrating a red squirrel champion

  Dr Peter Garson, Chair of the Gatehouse Squirrel Group, has been recognised as this year’s Species Champion in the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Trustees’ Awards for Volunteering. Giuliana Sinclair, Community Engagement Officer for South West Scotland discusses how this award not only celebrates Peter’s immense dedication and drive but also stands as an inspiration to volunteers and communities across Scotland… […]

Read More…

Coronavirus: all SSRS outdoor volunteer work suspended

…stop. You will not be covered by the Trust’s insurance policy while the suspension is in place, and will not be provided with additional materials. Volunteer expenses cannot be claimed for work carried out during this period.   Survey volunteers Please do not travel to your feeder boxes while the suspension is in place. Grey squirrel control volunteers (including both… […]

Read More…

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

…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… […]

Read More…

To feed or not to feed?

…disease. Suppliers Most suitable foods are available from online suppliers, garden centres, farm suppliers, supermarkets and health food shops. Pet food shops may also supply mixtures containing some or all of the recommended foods, sold for pets such as chipmunks. If you know of anyone else feeding squirrels, please pass on this information, or ask them to contact their local… […]

Read More…

Join the Hub

Join the Hub Community action is the key to the long-term survival of Scotland’s red squirrels. The Hub is a space for our supporters and volunteers to keep up to date with the project and connect with like-minded people working to protect local red squirrel populations. Registered users can keep track of their squirrel sightings, and join a local red… […]

Read More…

Community action in Galloway

…greys left hairs at our hoppers. Using camera-traps we also discovered that some reds will feed on maize in the same way greys do, by simply removing the germ and leaving a notch at the base of the discarded grain. So this field sign is not a signature for greys, as some people believe! Survey work by volunteers is improving… […]

Read More…

News: Help stop the spread of grey squirrels in the Mearns

…highly invasive grey squirrel could also spread further into the Grampians and the Highlands, threatening Scotland’s largest populations of red squirrels. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is encouraging people to report sightings of both red and grey squirrels online. The project is also looking for volunteers in the area to support its vital conservation work. Sarah Woodfin, Monitoring Officer, North East… […]

Read More…

Reviewing the Scottish Strategy for Red Squirrel Conservation

…new ambitious 50-year vision for the recovery of red squirrels throughout Scotland. Stay tuned for further updates as the group continues this vital and important work! Robyn Stewart Species and Habitats Officer & Red Squirrel Species Lead RSPB Scotland Members of the Scottish Squirrel Group meet in February 2024 to discuss next steps for the Strategy © Robyn Stewart  … […]

Read More…

This Year's Sightings