Q&A with Sarah Woodfin, Project Manager with Trees for Life’s Red Squirrel Reintroduction Project

…north-west highlands that may be able to support a population of red squirrels, they should contact us initially at hello@treesforlife.org.uk . They should also send in any sightings of squirrels in the highlands to Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels hub and encourage their friends and family to do the same, as this helps us to monitor our red squirrels.    … […]

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Reviewing the Scottish Strategy for Red Squirrel Conservation

…new ambitious 50-year vision for the recovery of red squirrels throughout Scotland. Stay tuned for further updates as the group continues this vital and important work! Robyn Stewart Species and Habitats Officer & Red Squirrel Species Lead RSPB Scotland Members of the Scottish Squirrel Group meet in February 2024 to discuss next steps for the Strategy © Robyn Stewart  … […]

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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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Game-changing grant awarded to South Scotland volunteers

…sustain their surveying and monitoring efforts well into the future.   Find out more about the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, the Red Squirrel Forum for South Scotland and what this grant means for conservation within the area at https://www.rsst.org.uk/blog/2020/9/16/scottish-borders-groups-bank-national-funding . Or visit the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Network Directory to find out more about red squirrel volunteer groups near you…. […]

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Celebrating a red squirrel champion

  Dr Peter Garson, Chair of the Gatehouse Squirrel Group, has been recognised as this year’s Species Champion in the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Trustees’ Awards for Volunteering. Giuliana Sinclair, Community Engagement Officer for South West Scotland discusses how this award not only celebrates Peter’s immense dedication and drive but also stands as an inspiration to volunteers and communities across Scotland… […]

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News: Red letter day – Plean’s first red squirrel entered home through letterbox

…absence, we’ve also had recent sightings in Dunblane and Doune. Stirlingshire is an important area for red squirrel conservation because it is on the boundary between Scotland’s core red squirrel populations in the Highlands and the populations of grey squirrels that are found across the Central Belt. Grey squirrels are a non-native invasive species that was introduced to Britain from… […]

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An Autumn Overview of Tree ID

…keep an eye out for any buds on trees – this could be a sign that a squirrel (or other animal) has beat you to the fruit first. Additional useful links If you just can’t learn enough about Britain’s native and non-native trees, you can find out more information by following the links below. Happy tree ID-ing everyone! https://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/… […]

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New Conservation Officer calls for the public to help protect red squirrels in the Scottish Borders

…monitoring squirrel populations across Scotland since 2004. Sightings from the public are important because they help us measure the impact of our work and decide where to focus our efforts. “Our 2018 sightings map currently shows that while there are still places in the Scottish Borders with healthy red squirrel populations, other areas now have grey squirrel sightings only. However,… […]

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North East Volunteer Spotlight: Celebrating our volunteer Janice Drew as she moves on to pastures new!

…during summer.…far more than I record on my butterfly transect! Sadly, visits ceased as storm Arwen decimated Straloch woods.” “However, as Emma points out we need to be “everywhere at once”. I was rapidly redeployed to Victoria and Westburn parks and Bucksburn/Stoneywood. The surprise and delight in finding red squirrel hair samples in Victoria Park on my first visit and… […]

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Major boost for Scotland’s red squirrels thanks to National Lottery funding

…red squirrels.Scotland is home to just 120,000 red squirrels, three quarters of the UK population. The main threat to native squirrels comes from competition with invasive non-native grey squirrels and the spread of the deadly squirrelpox virus.   Dr Mel Tonkin, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Project Manager said: “Our work since 2009 shows that through targeted control of grey squirrels… […]

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This Year's Sightings