Our scurry has grown

…many points where red and grey squirrels crossover so it is important that we work with the project partners, the vast team of dedicated volunteers and local landowners to ensure red squirrels continue to thrive in the west. Kate Thomson Hello! My name is Kate Thomson and I am very excited to be in post here in the South West… […]

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Ministerial approval for red squirrels

…working in partnership with landowners has benefited this much-loved species. Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Paul Wheelhouse, said: “Red squirrels are one of Scotland’s most recognisable and loved animals. The work of SSRS in raising awareness of their plight in north east Scotland is extremely important to preserving their future across Scotland.” Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse MSP with Jonny… […]

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Red squirrels and biosecurity

…characteristics of the smallpox and chickenpox viruses, it is not classified directly within the Parapoxvirus group – it is an outlier. Carried by American grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) without effect, squirrelpox is commonly found in greys from Ontario down to the Carolinas of Eastern North America. It is not known when squirrelpox came to UK but it was first confirmed… […]

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

…through competition for resources. Most worryingly they could also potentially bring the deadly squirrelpox virus, which isn’t currently present in Aberdeenshire, with them. This virus doesn’t harm grey squirrels but it is deadly for reds. It would be devastating for Scotland’s squirrels if squirrelpox is allowed to spread into the north of the country. “There are a number of ways… […]

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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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Knowledge Fair – celebrating five years of community action

  In December over 100 SSRS volunteers, landowners and other supporters joined us online to celebrate the end of the project’s ‘Developing Community Action‘ phase. The two-day Knowledge Fair featured presentations and panel discussions on all that the project has achieved over the past five years. It was also an opportunity to learn more about the red squirrel conservation work… […]

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Get Involved

…monitoring red and grey squirrel numbers across the country, managing the spread of grey squirrels in strategic areas, and inspiring community action to ensure the long-term survival of our native species. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers. There are all sorts of other ways to get involved in the project, from… […]

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This Year's Sightings