Suspected squirrelpox cases on the Solway Coast

…any wildlife feeding stations. We also ask that people across the Solway Coast please ensure that all garden feeding stations are regularly cleaned with an anti-viral solution such as Virkon S, which is available to purchase online in tablet and powder form. If you see a sick red squirrel, either in your garden, or while outdoors exercising, please contact squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk…. […]

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Faces Old and New at Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels

…co-ordinating the annual Great Scottish Squirrel Survey, and managing our social media pages. Her favourite red squirrel fact is that baby red squirrels are called kits! Contact: kberry @scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk   Haz el Forrest: Species Advocacy Officer Hazel started working with SSRS as our Species Advocacy Officer in August 2022. She has a background in ecological consultancy, specialising in bat surveying…. […]

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Studying the life of the urban red squirrel

…radio-tracking, a range of other data have been collected. These have included: monitoring the locations and causes of death in the population through post-mortems; determining habitat quality and availability through seed crop surveys and computer-based mapping; and evaluating the availability and impact of supplemental feeding via a public survey. A radio-collared red squirrel in a handling cone, which helps to… […]

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Coronavirus: all SSRS outdoor volunteer work suspended

…as soon as possible (with a 10 figure grid reference for each trap or a detailed location description). Where traps are currently set, our staff will endeavour to secure them shut if at all possible. This was not an easy decision to make. Together we have made great strides in recent years, and we are fully aware that this could… […]

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A red squirrel first for Luss Estate

…be essential to ensure this trend continues. To keep up momentum and ensure our work is as effective as possible, we need more detailed information on what’s happening on the ground. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the National Park you can help by reporting any sightings of both red and grey squirrels via our online sightings form…. […]

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Join the Hub

…to protect local red squirrel populations. Registered users can keep track of their squirrel sightings, and join a local red squirrel network to connect with others in your area. Once you have become a Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels volunteer you’ll also be able to use the Hub to access training resources and materials and submit and view your data online…. […]

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To feed or not to feed?

…in your area. What should I do if grey squirrels come to my garden? If grey squirrels start appearing in your garden for the first time, please contact your local squirrel group. You should not feed grey squirrels, so you may need to stop all feeding. Special feeders that provide food for red squirrels but prevent access to grey squirrels… […]

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

…red squirrel populations across most of England, Wales and Scotland’s Central Belt. Grey squirrels can also carry squirrelpox, a virus that doesn’t harm them but is deadly to reds. One of the project’s key aims is to build a network of local volunteers in priority areas across the south of Scotland, where healthy red squirrel populations are surrounded by greys… […]

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Coronavirus: Temporary suspension of SSRS non-essential volunteer work

…through the Community Hub Grey Squirrel Control Group documents, or by contacting your local Community Engagement Officer or Conservation Officer. We ask those continuing with voluntary control work to keep abreast of any further changes in the Scottish Government’s coronavirus advice and please ensure compliance with coronavirus restrictions in your local authority area by visiting https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/.   Survey volunteers All… […]

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This Year's Sightings