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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Busy breeding

…breeding drey even after they are weaned and mother moves out. These juvenile siblings, who are around half adult size, might be spotted together playfully exploring, often during the day, as they take advantage of the adult squirrel’s rest period. Any intolerant mature squirrels in the area might detract from their new found independence, so they tend to avoid the… […]

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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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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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An Autumn Overview of Tree ID

…tip that team squirrel use for remembering different tree species, is by nicknaming the tree or creating a quirky rhyme, for example; Sitka spruce is remembered as “spiky, scaly Sitka” as the pine needles are spiky if you run your hand over them and the bark has scales on it like a dragon. Norway Spruce is remembered as “nice Norway”… […]

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This Year's Sightings