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

…project’s spring surveys in both 2020 and 2021. These annual systematic surveys, which used baited squirrel-hair sampling boxes at over 200 specific locations, provided robust distribution data for both red and grey squirrels that was invaluable for comparing the fortunes of squirrels from year-to-year. Project Manager Dr Mel Tonkin said: “Without the spring survey data, we need the help of… […]

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Activities

…own binoculars. Start your squirrel spotting journey with a handful of materials found around the house. You’ll need two toilet roll tubes, string, paper, scissors, glue, an elastic band and a whole punch or pen. Follow the link below for our easy to follow, step by step guide: INSTRUCTIONS DOWNLOAD Make a red squirrel mask Sport those quirky tufted ears… […]

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Introducing the new Eastern Lowlands Red Squirrel Group

…doing red squirrel conservation? Are you a landowner, land manager, keeper, forester, pest controller, home owner or similar? If so, we are interested in what you currently do to contribute towards red squirrel conservation. That could be any of the following: Manage woodlands for the the benefit of red squirrels Report red and grey squirrel sightings to SSRS Perform structured… […]

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North East Scotland

…single, accidental, introduction event in 1971. Within a few decades, grey squirrels replaced red squirrels throughout Aberdeen city. As their numbers increased they also spread into rural areas along the Dee, beyond Banchory, and the Don, as far as Inverurie, posing a threat to the red squirrels in wider Aberdeenshire and to nearby populations in Moray and the Highlands. SSRS… […]

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An Introduction to Squirrels in Scotland

…on woodland habitat, and where this is altered, due to development, or change in land use, this can lead to isolated populations of red squirrels, making it harder for them to survive. Not only do red squirrels serve as the inspiration for many of our favourite childhood stories, they also play a vital role within the ecosystem. Red squirrels play… […]

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HRH The Prince of Wales gives special thanks to volunteers on Red Squirrel Appreciation Day

…the natural woodland habitat in which it evolved. Without your efforts, we simply could not hope to succeed in the task we have set ourselves. Generations to come would be denied the pleasure we take for granted in the healthy woods that are now threatened as never before, and of which the red squirrel is both the symbol and, by… […]

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New faces and farewells

…marten sightings, as well as of course lots of red squirrels (almost daily!) around the reserve. In Tayside we have two seasonal Grey Squirrel Control Officers, Mario and Gavin, while Yvonne has joined the Northeast team as Monitoring and Control Officer for Mearns and East Angus. Yvonne will be building upon the NE Team’s Rapid Response Monitoring scheme in the… […]

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Red Squirrel Rambles

…Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen | North East Scotland Take a stroll through formal gardens, woodland and nature trails on the lookout for signs of squirrels.   Duration: 50 Minutes Facilities: Parking, Public Toilets Public Transport Available Nearby: Yes Difficulty: Easy Wilderness Ranking: 1/3   Atholl Estates’ Glen Tilt, Blair Atholl | Tayside Explore historic woodland on the beautiful at Atholl Estates’… […]

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News: Take a red squirrel ramble with new digital walking routes

…the species, their habitat and efforts to protect them. The ‘Red Squirrel Ramble’ trails guide walkers through ancient and historic woodlands, as well as scenic areas where red squirrels have made a recent comeback thanks to conservation efforts. Interactive walks are available at Hazlehead Park in Aberdeen, Atholl Estates’ Glen Tilt in Blair Atholl, RSPB Scotland’s Loch Lomond Reserve and… […]

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Leaping into the future

  This week marks the official end of ‘Developing Community Action’. The past five years have gone incredibly fast! So what happens next?   Funded by National Lottery Players, ‘Developing Community Action’ saw the SSRS team expand to its largest ever staffing level, with ambitious aims to boost our engagement with local communities, build a network of skilled volunteers and,… […]

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This Year's Sightings