Red Squirrel Rambles

…the forests of Dumfries and Galloway in an interactive app that will guide you on your adventure. Explore with the opportunity of wild encounters, discover more about red squirrels, complete challenges and collect tokens as you go. And of course, if you see a squirrel while walking, we want to hear about it!   Download a Red Squirrel Ramble today… […]

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Coronavirus: Phased restart of SSRS outdoor volunteer work

…allow us to access the additional equipment and resources required for monitoring activities and have the ability to collect samples once more. Volunteers will be notified when measures are in place for this activity to recommence. Volunteer groups Face-to-face group events and meetings will remain postponed for the time being. SSRS have been supporting volunteer network groups across Scotland digitally… […]

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Squirrelpox: Staying ahead of the spread

…red and grey squirrels in the event of a disease outbreak. We recommend an anti-viral solution such as Virkon-S. Squirrel sightings also have an important role to play in monitoring distribution changes over time and assessing areas where both red and grey squirrels come into close proximity. Sightings of both species can be reported through our website at https://scottishsquirrels.org.uk/squirrel-sightings/. And… […]

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Our new recruits: welcome to Team Squirrel!

…creative projects and volunteering. I’ll be helping to get the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels message out to as many people as possible through press and social media, as well as supporting the Conservation and Engagement Officers in developing their public engagement activities. The first time I saw a red squirrel, it was running across a busy road as a heavy… […]

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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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An Introduction to Squirrels in Scotland

…There are now approximately 160,000 native red squirrels in Britain, of which over 75% live in Scotland Since the introduction of grey squirrels, they have become widespread across Britain due to their ability to adapt to new environments. They have also introduced the squirrel pox virus which, although catastrophic to red squirrels, appears to leave grey squirrels relatively unharmed due… […]

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Argaty’s red squirrels are back in full force

…computer down and head to the woods to feed our squirrels. If none are around I will linger a few minutes, as I do every day, and wait for the first one to come in. And as I stand watching it I will remember the excitement of that first squirrel sighting and wonder what my ten-year old self would say… […]

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News: Suspected squirrelpox outbreak near Lockerbie threatens local red squirrel population

…vulnerable time for red squirrels, as they prepare for the upcoming mating season and increase contact with one another. We have deployed our emergency squirrelpox outbreak response measures, and as such locals can expect to see an increased staff and volunteer presence in the area as we increase grey control efforts in the region in a bid to stem the… […]

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One small step for Perthshire’s reds

…and despite intensive efforts, the trail in Aberfeldy has gone cold for now. It is therefore important to remain vigilant and continue to report grey squirrel sightings so that we can redirect our resources when necessary. Reporting a sighting of either species of squirrel is one of the simplest ways to help the project and allows us to measure the… […]

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This Year's Sightings