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

…Estates, RSPB Scotland and the Red Squirrel Survival Trust. In 2017 the project was awarded £2.46 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project has secured an initial £1.08 million from project partners for the two-year transitional phase, but will need further resources to put all project plans into action, which will be finalised in the new year.  … […]

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To feed or not to feed?

…some hawthorn, blackthorn, holly, cherry, raspberry, crab apple and yew. All small-seeded broadleafed trees will provide buds and flowers in spring for squirrels as well as giving a home to lots of other wildlife and insects. If you have squirrels visiting your bird feeders, it is vitally important to regularly clean and disinfect them. This is especially important if you… […]

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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… […]

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Community action in Galloway

…one autumn squirrelpox struck, and they were all gone in a few weeks. So we had to move, didn’t we… Before coming to Galloway, I was on the Biology staff at Newcastle University, where I lectured for years on conservation biology, including the devastating worldwide effects of invasive species introductions. It was natural, therefore, for me to work for more… […]

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Hawick, Selkirk and Denholm Red Squirrel Network – One Year Later

…old) in assistance with set up and manning of the stall. Denholm Green Jubilee Event © Jan Ferguson Changes: Firstly, subject to approval at the next AGM, it has been proposed that the group change its identity and name. This is to consider areas not included in our original PARC where the residents feel unrepresented. Secondly, we hope to be… […]

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

…not only threatens the local red squirrel population in the Mearns but it could also jeopardise the project’s success in Aberdeen. The introduction of squirrelpox into North East Scotland could be devastating for the core populations of red squirrels in the north of Scotland. For more information about volunteering with Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels visit scottishsquirrels.org.uk.   VIEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES… […]

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Reviewing the Scottish Strategy for Red Squirrel Conservation

…Scottish Squirrel Group have been tasked with drafting an ambitious 50-year vision for red squirrel conservation in Scotland. The revised Strategy will cover a 10-year timeline (2025 – 2035) informed by this vision, and will be developed using the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Guidelines for Species Conservation Planning, the gold standard for species conservation planning which… […]

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Red squirrels and biosecurity

  Professor Ronald J Roberts, Chairman of Bradan Biosecurity, discusses the importance of strong biosecurity protocols and how they can protect Scotland’s red squirrels from the threat of squirrelpox. He is a veterinary surgeon who has personally been involved in the development and testing of Virkon ®S, a broad-spectrum disinfectant, for the last 20 years. Virkon ®S is used across… […]

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Celebrating a red squirrel champion

project in March 2022. Peter comments “I am pleased to receive this award, alongside three other winners who have achieved great things in their own ways for SWT. To my surprise, I have now been involved with red squirrel conservation for three decades. It all started with a Newcastle University research project in Kielder Forest as part of the Red… […]

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provokes other community members, or is inappropriate, repetitive or off topic compromises your privacy or that of other contributors or that contain inappropriate personal information compromises sensitive data or confidential information You should be aware that your contributions may remain online indefinitely. 1.5 Disclaimer The SSRS website and its Content is intended to provide information for general and scientific use;… […]

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This Year's Sightings