…would make anyone think they were grey dominated areas. It is true that small numbers of grey squirrels are moving into these areas and it’s fantastic that local people understand how important it is that we know about these sightings, but reporting red squirrel sightings is equally important. It helps us monitor the impact our work is having, and know… […]
…computer down and head to the woods to feed our squirrels. If none are around I will linger a few minutes, as I do every day, and wait for the first one to come in. And as I stand watching it I will remember the excitement of that first squirrel sighting and wonder what my ten-year old self would say… […]
…characteristics. Red squirrels have ear tufts, which can be lost in the summer months, but generally re-appear in the autumn. They also have a smaller, slender body than the grey squirrel, with an adult red squirrel being around half the size/weight of an adult grey squirrel. © Daniel Martins Grey Squirrels Grey squirrels are… […]
…people to get involved, for instance carrying out surveys, record keeping and fundraising. There is a need for more public engagement in the region. In particular, volunteers who can educate and inspire young people can help to ensure that there is a long-term future for South Scotland’s red squirrels. It’s inspiring to be around so many dedicated people all working… […]
…and wildlife. It’s also a reminder of just how important it is that we continue to protect red squirrels in the area from more grey squirrel arrivals in the future. The Woodland Hide will be available only by pre-booking. For more information, please visit the Argaty Red Kite project website www.argatyredkites.co.uk or telephone 01786 841373. The Project will also very… […]
…to know more about how the situation has changed in the past year. Reporting a squirrel sighting is a simple thing anyone can do to help.” Grey squirrels were introduced to Scotland in Victorian times and have since replaced our native red squirrel in many parts of the country. They out-compete reds for food and living space and can also… […]
…5 mile radius of home to conduct voluntary control work. Trap-loan scheme & trap hosts For those on the trap-loan scheme trapping on their own property and therefore able to abide by all Government guidelines as an independent unit, trapping can be resumed as normal. For those participating in the trap-loan scheme in which dispatch involves another party, additional precaution… […]
…I was seeing the grey squirrels in their native ecosystem, interacting with animals and plants with which they have evolved in equilibrium, and that no other species were being threatened by its presence. It allowed me to truly appreciate this animal for the first time (my first sighting of a grey squirrel was that of an invasive species in my… […]
…the woods is really not that easy – an occasional chance event for most of us. It’s a lot easier if you have a thermal imaging scope, as this kit detects heat and can even ‘see’ though the vegetation, although coming in at a high price means this is not a feasible option for most of us. Reds are naturally… […]
…and in good repair, procuring replacement boxes, bait and other materials, recruiting new volunteers, assembling volunteer survey packs, obtaining access permissions, delivering survey packs and bait and ensuring all of the volunteers are trained and prepared. At the end of April, all the samples need to be collected in – not always as straightforward as that sounds – and then… […]
