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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Looking for signs of squirrels this September

…adventures over the next few days . Where & When You could plan a trip almost anywhere in Scotland, or even just outside your front door. There are a number of well-known squirrel stomping grounds you could visit; however, it is equally important to consider an area that could be an ideal squirrel habitat where few sightings have been recorded… […]

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How can mathematical modelling help save red squirrels in Scotland?

…carrying out grey squirrel control within and around strongholds increases the chance of long-term survival of red squirrel populations in those strongholds. Controlling grey squirrels will reduce their population density, making it more difficult for squirrelpox to spread through grey populations and therefore reducing the chance of disease transmission to red squirrels. The grey squirrel control effort required to remove… […]

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Red Squirrel Rambles

…us in the following ways: Facebook: Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Twitter: @ScotSquirrels Email: squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk   Ramble Responsibly Know the code before you go, and visit the Scottish Outdoor Access Code for practical advice and guidance. Coronavirus update: please ensure you adhere to the latest guidelines issued by the Scottish Government, in regards to travel, leisure and socialising outdoors https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/.  … […]

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An Autumn Overview of Tree ID

…of habitat the squirrel was spotted in. Having a basic knowledge of tree identification comes in helpful here and sharing this allows us to investigate which habitats squirrels appear to be thriving in. Spotting the difference between a coniferous and deciduous tree in autumn is simple. Deciduous trees with broad leaves, change colour and often lose their leaves at this… […]

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Coronavirus: Temporary suspension of SSRS non-essential volunteer work

…issuing new guidance with immediate effect.   Grey squirrel control volunteers (including both trap-hosts and dispatchers) Registered Scottish Wildlife Trust volunteers undertaking grey squirrel control are able to continue with this essential work, provided that existing guidance (issued on 11/06/2020) is adhered to and a Covid-19 Risk Assessment has been completed and reviewed. The Covid-19 Risk Assessment can be accessed… […]

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Argaty Red Kites celebrate their other star species with a new red squirrel hide

…the area’s red squirrel conservation journey. The Woodland Hide can host up to three people at one time and is custom-built for photography. © Argaty Red Kites   Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels has been monitoring squirrel populations in the area since 2012. At first, only grey squirrels were detected on the Argaty estate. Then, in 2013/14 the map changed from… […]

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Busy breeding

…Mothers in good body condition produce heavier kits, which are subsequently more likely to survive their first year. Gestation lasts 5-6 weeks, after which time around 3-4 kits are born, although litters of up to six are possible. The blind, hairless kits, weighing 10-15g, are entirely dependent on maternal care while they are in the nest and until they are… […]

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This Year's Sightings