Original Author: Lorna Hutchison If you’ve yet to set eyes on a Scottish Red Squirrel, here’s a wee guide to help increase your chances! Go north. Or south. Those of us living in the densely populated central belt have a choice to make. There are populations of red squirrels in the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway but personally, I’d… […]
…are successfully being prevented from spreading north of the Highland Boundary Line, protecting Scotland’s core red squirrel populations in the Highlands and Grampian. Ongoing work in this region is essential, as evidenced by recent grey sightings in Aberfeldy. The project has also focussed on public engagement at both a local and nationwide level, with over 1000 people reporting squirrel sightings… […]
…the spread of grey squirrels. Classified as an invasive non-native species, it is widely acknowledged that targeted, landscape-scale grey squirrel population control is essential if we want to reverse the decline of Scotland’s red squirrels. It’s a huge undertaking, but fortunately there are many passionate and experienced landowners and individuals volunteering to do their bit across priority areas. At Saving… […]
…examination at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and electron microscopy at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge. Squirrelpox is a virus carried by grey squirrels which does not affect them but can be rapidly lethal when passed to red squirrels. Symptoms include ulcers, scabs and weeping lesions on the face, paws and genitalia, all of which can… […]
…get at the food inside, but I love being outdoors anyway and the survey gets me into the woods at a lovely time of year. The new growth underfoot and in the trees is an attraction in itself and the birdlife is always interesting – woodpeckers in particular in one of the woods I visit. I have enjoyed being in… […]
…are high with young in the drey demanding to be fed, so squirrels will feed on buds and flowers and stored fungi and lichens. Recently a picture of a red squirrel eating a frog was sent to us, check out our Facebook page to see it. They really will take advantage of ANY food source at this time of year!… […]
…staggering 94% decline in native water vole populations? The American skunk-cabbage plant does actually smell as bad as a skunk…. White butterburr was imported as a garden ornamental from mainland Europe and SW Asia and escaped into the wild. What is an Invasive Species? There are around 2,000 non-native plants and animals in the UK, these non-native species… […]
…in the Stranraer area where a total of 48 greys were removed in a week. These brilliant efforts should go a long way to curtailing the influx of the grey squirrels from the North West. I am proud to be involved with such a group and excited about what we can achieve in the years to come with a good… […]
…where dedicated squirrel spotters can register and keep a personal record of their squirrel sightings. “The comprehensive mapping allows them to view their own squirrel conservation data as well as all of the project’s long-term data. It’s a great way for people to see how their efforts are contributing to changes over time. “It’s also a meeting point where volunteers… […]
