New threat to Perthshire’s red squirrels as greys reappear in Aberfeldy

…Chapel Road have raised the alarm once more. Tayside Conservation Officer Ann-Marie MacMaster said: “These recent sightings are a cause for concern because it could suggest that the grey squirrels spotted last year have now bred. If grey squirrels established themselves in the area, this would have devastating consequences for the local red population. “We are asking everyone in the […]

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Welcoming volunteers back into the field this Volunteers’ Week

…Assessment followed. Volunteers can now undertake operational survey work, which was previously suspended All face to face training activities can now recommence, including trail camera and operational survey training for volunteers In-person Volunteer Network Group meetings can now commence, adhering to Government guidelines on meeting others indoors or outdoors Leaflet drops are now permitted for volunteers As highlighted in our… […]

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News: New research underway to trace the steps of urban squirrels

…radio and GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking. The results will support ongoing red squirrel conservation in the local area. The research is funded by Forestry & Land Scotland and will be carried out under a special licence from NatureScot. Grey squirrels were first introduced to Aberdeen in the 1970s. They soon replaced native red squirrels across the city and in… […]

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News: Public squirrel sightings soar in 2023

…city and its outskirts. In the South of Scotland a mix of the two species remain, with volunteer groups working hard to lower grey densities in the region. Grey squirrels were introduced to Scotland in Victorian times and have since replaced the native red squirrel in many parts of the country. They out-compete reds for food and living space and… […]

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Cally Gardens Wildlife Hide is now open!

…been opened up and the understorey cleared in places by the National Scenic Area volunteer team and others. Kevin intends plant a wide range of shrubs within view of the hide, to provide sources of food such as wild fruits and nuts for red squirrels, as well as any passing badgers and foxes. This vegetation will also host more invertebrates… […]

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

…Red Squirrels said: “We are deeply grateful to all volunteers and members of the public for submitting their sightings during the 2022 Great Scottish Squirrel Survey. Sightings of both species are vital as we work across the country, collaborating with partners and stakeholders to help save the iconic red squirrel from its main threat, the non-native grey squirrel. We strongly… […]

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

…from the threat of invasive non-native grey squirrels. Project Manager Dr. Mel Tonkin said: “The walking trails are not only fantastic places to catch sight of a red squirrel in action, they are also located in the key project areas where we are working to ensure the long-term protection of this iconic Scottish species. “The trails are designed to encourage… […]

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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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This Year's Sightings