An Autumn Overview of Tree ID

…time of year whereas most cone-bearing coniferous trees that have needles, stay green year-round. Some of Scotland’s oldest native trees are coniferous, such as Scots Pine. A fun fact about another native coniferous tree, Juniper, is that it has stems that are fragrant throughout – it isn’t just their distinctive, infamous berries that are aromatic!   Finding clues So what… […]

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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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Red squirrels and biosecurity

…the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project to reduce the risk of squirrelpox spread.   Biosecurity is big news at present due to our concerns about the new Coronavirus in humans. In Britain, another virus, spread between squirrel species has proven invariably lethal to its new host – the native red squirrel. Squirrelpox is a pox virus with many of the… […]

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New Frontiers for Volunteers

…as a field technician and research assistant studying rodent populations and testing two methods for controlling the plague (Yersinia pestis) a.k.a. Black Death. There I gained a lot of hands-on experience trapping and handling rats, mice, squirrels and chipmunks, as well as the odd striped and spotted skunks (striped skunk below). Next, after 2 and a half years away I… […]

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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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Coronavirus: all SSRS outdoor volunteer work suspended

  Following the latest government guidelines, it has been agreed between Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels and the Scottish Wildlife Trust that all red squirrel outdoor volunteer work will be temporarily suspended with immediate effect.   This means that all registered Scottish Wildlife Trust volunteers carrying out grey squirrel control and/or survey work on behalf of Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels should… […]

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

online as part of September’s third annual ‘Great Scottish Squirrel Survey’ campaign. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is a partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and includes NatureScot, Scottish Forestry, Scottish Land & Estates, RSPB Scotland and the Red Squirrel Survival Trust. In 2017 the project was awarded £2.46 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project has… […]

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To feed or not to feed?

…disease. Suppliers Most suitable foods are available from online suppliers, garden centres, farm suppliers, supermarkets and health food shops. Pet food shops may also supply mixtures containing some or all of the recommended foods, sold for pets such as chipmunks. If you know of anyone else feeding squirrels, please pass on this information, or ask them to contact their local… […]

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This Year's Sightings