Busy breeding

…of factors including availability of food, weather, and body condition. Body weight, closely linked to food abundance, is integral to breeding success; female squirrels must reach a minimum weight to breed (around 280-300g). In areas where food is plentiful, two litters of kittens (or kits) may be born, the first in early spring (Feb/Mar) and the second in summer (May/June)…. […]

Read More…

Argaty Red Kites celebrate their other star species with a new red squirrel hide

…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… […]

Read More…

An Autumn Overview of Tree ID

…as the pine needles are soft if you run your hand over them. Also, the cones are described as large cigars. Douglas Fir is remembered as “groovy Dougie” as the bark is really grooved. And Scots Pine, as the bark is red towards the top, is remembered for its ginger resemblance like all things truly Scottish – including our native… […]

Read More…

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/.  … […]

Read More…

Southern Uplands Partnership Guest Blog: Funding Success for Red Squirrel Recovery Network

…over £250,000 are assessed in two rounds. Red Squirrel recovery Network has initially been granted round one development funding of £158,600 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award. As… […]

Read More…

How can mathematical modelling help save red squirrels in Scotland?

…squirrel presence after 24 simulated years for different levels of grey squirrel control in Dumfries & Galloway. Grey squirrel control was simulated in the model in the areas indicated by the black rectangles.   For more information on the modelling work and other strongholds in the Central Lowlands of Scotland see: http://www.macs.hw.ac.uk/~awhite/ Prof A. White & Dr P. W.W. Lurz… […]

Read More…

New Frontiers for Volunteers

…New Mexico, I’ve come home to see what I can do here in Scotland to help our native wildlife survive against threats of foreign diseases and invasive species. In Sweden I studied conservation biology and became especially interested in disease ecology, invasive species and wildlife management. I then moved from Sweden to a field station in New Mexico to work… […]

Read More…

This Year's Sightings