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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Looking for signs of squirrels this September

…has stopped for a snack. In preparation for winter, they have also been known to hang their mushrooms in trees to dry, befo re storing them in their own ‘mini larders’.   If the weather has turned, you may still be able to spot signs – such as see ing squirrel tracks in fresh mud. Look for tiny, human-like hand… […]

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The road to recovery

…from targeted areas. But the key word is sustained. If trapping is not maintained, re-invasions by grey squirrels will soon take the situation back to square one. The Scottish Wildlife Trust is committed to delivering the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project long-term. It is vital not to lose momentum. Photograph: Harry Hogg.   Squirrelpox – holding the line in southern… […]

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Remembering Brian Fishwick

…Brian began his work in the Glenkens at a time when there were few active volunteer groups operating in the south of Scotland. Since then the Glenkens group has not only played a crucial role in protecting red squirrels in their local area, they have also helped inspire and support multiple new groups emerging across Dumfries & Galloway and the… […]

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Coronavirus update for SSRS volunteers

…prevention of squirrelpox spread, usually in tablet form. It is not suitable for use indoors, and is not safe for humans. It is classified as an irritant and should always be handled following the correct safety precautions, and only used for its intended purpose. Please familiarise yourself with the Virkon-S health and safety guidelines and risk assessment (provided in your… […]

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The Do’s and Don’t’s of Feeding Squirrels

…least natural food for squirrels, so don’t just feed in winter. Report your sightings to us! Don’t: Feed grey squirrels. The last thing we need is to give the non-native grey a helping hand. Encourage reds to cross a busy road to get to your feeders. This is a big issue, better leave them to fend for themselves than increase… […]

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News: Public citizen science effort creates snapshot of squirrel distributions across Scotland.

…can make a big difference to our efforts.” Sightings can be reported year-round at scottishsquirrels.org.uk/squirrel-sightings. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is a partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and supported by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, along with other partners. For further information please contact Nicole Still, nstill@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk, 07423 028689… […]

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This Year's Sightings