…advice for your volunteering role can be found in your volunteering induction pack, and can also be downloaded from the SSRS Community Hub. If you have any questions or concerns about your volunteering activities, or if you are required to self-isolate, please contact your local Community Engagement Officer or Conservation Officer for further advice. Volunteer groups All scheduled red… […]
Since way back in 2019 there has been a plan to build a hide from which we could watch and photograph woodland wildlife near Gatehouse. Finally, this mission has been accomplished with a launch event held in Cally Woods on Wednesday 10 November. This project has been led by the Gatehouse Squirrel Group, and its members’ generous donations covered… […]
…schemes, such as Saving Red Squirrels, which are designed to protect natural habitats and wildlife. We’re very grateful to the Moffat & District Red Squirrel Group for their support.” Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is a National Lottery-funded partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The project is supporting groups of local volunteers across the south of Scotland who will… […]
…based in Balloch, Alexandria but works across the whole region. Felix is currently looking for more households to join our trap loan scheme in his region, and for grey control volunteers. Contact: fsanchezbishop@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk Victoria Chanin: Project Officer for South East Scotland Victoria has been with the project since 2018, starting out as a Spring Survey volunteer, working within… […]
…any photographs you may have, will help monitoring and protection of this iconic species Sarah is a freelance writer with a background in veterinary medicine. A subsequent PhD and a qualification in conservation medicine has guided her writing which is inspired by the natural world. She covers all manner of wildlife, conservation and environmental issues. Mail: writesforwildlife@gmail.com Web: www.writesforwildlife.com… […]
…project’s spring surveys in both 2020 and 2021. These annual systematic surveys, which used baited squirrel-hair sampling boxes at over 200 specific locations, provided robust distribution data for both red and grey squirrels that was invaluable for comparing the fortunes of squirrels from year-to-year. Project Manager Dr Mel Tonkin said: “Without the spring survey data, we need the help of… […]
…on a record-breaking turnout in 2020, last year’s 2021 Great Scottish Squirrel Survey saw 1549 squirrel sightings reported in just one week by nearly 1100 people across Scotland. Sightings help project staff to create a picture of the situation on the ground, and directly contribute to red squirrel conservation action. Since the end of the project’s spring surveys in 2020,… […]
…of bait out in the hope of a few squirrels or maybe even a marten. The very first thing to find the bait was a marten! Then by day there were heaps of squirrels. See this link for a cool video of what is known, technically speaking, as a scurry of squirrels. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rik6pGV0KlI All very nice, but imagine Gus’ surprise… […]
…adapted to their new environment, growing faster and out-competing our native species for space and food/nutrients. E.g. invasive plants out-compete our native wildflowers Predation; a predatory invasive species can have a significant effect on reducing the population of a native species. E.g. the significant impact on water voles by American mink predation Hybridisation; invasive species can interbreed with native species,… […]
…SSRS are unable to fully confirm the presence of squirrelpox at this time as the experts that carry out the post mortem investigations are currently not operating due to coronavirus restrictions. However, if you are able to take photos of any sick or dead red squirrels our veterinary partners may be able to offer an informed opinion, especially if backed… […]
