…While there is still a long way to go, the Scottish Squirrel Group is committed to the development of the new Strategy to guide the next decade of strategic actions and work towards the 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!… […]
…through competition for resources. Most worryingly they could also potentially bring the deadly squirrelpox virus, which isn’t currently present in Aberdeenshire, with them. This virus doesn’t harm grey squirrels but it is deadly for reds. It would be devastating for Scotland’s squirrels if squirrelpox is allowed to spread into the north of the country. “There are a number of ways… […]
…South Scotland became independent, retaining use of the SSRS Community Hub and other resources. We catch up with Bill Ferguson from the Hawick, Selkirk and Denholm network to hear how they have been getting on. Since becoming an independent group in April 2022, HSD Red Squirrel Network has been led by our 5 dedicated committee members: the Chair, Treasurer, Secretary,… […]
…one autumn squirrelpox struck, and they were all gone in a few weeks. So we had to move, didn’t we… Before coming to Galloway, I was on the Biology staff at Newcastle University, where I lectured for years on conservation biology, including the devastating worldwide effects of invasive species introductions. It was natural, therefore, for me to work for more… […]
…sunflower seeds. A suitable mix is: 4 parts peanuts 1 part sunflower seeds 1 part whole maize. Beech nuts, sweet chestnuts and pine nuts are also excellent, if you can afford them. Red squirrels may suffer from calcium deficiency if eating a diet rich in peanuts or sunflower seed, so try to provide an alternative calcium source such as ‘Collo-Cal… […]
…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… […]
Original Author: Lorna Hutchison, Volunteer Lorna Hutchison, new volunteer for the Argyll & Trossachs project area, tells us the reasons she has recently started volunteering for the project. As an undergraduate at university it was the hands-on, practical side of my biology degree that got me into conservation. Now having studied a Master’s degree in Sweden and worked in… […]
