Coronavirus: Temporary suspension of SSRS non-essential volunteer work

…issuing new guidance with immediate effect.   Grey squirrel control volunteers (including both trap-hosts and dispatchers) Registered Scottish Wildlife Trust volunteers undertaking grey squirrel control are able to continue with this essential work, provided that existing guidance (issued on 11/06/2020) is adhered to and a Covid-19 Risk Assessment has been completed and reviewed. The Covid-19 Risk Assessment can be accessed… […]

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News: Get involved in Scotland’s fifth annual Great Scottish Squirrel Survey

…the survey, our third highest year since they began collecting public squirrel sightings in 2010. The highest year to date was in 2020 when 3000 sightings were recorded during the survey, and 22,772 were recorded overall. Programme Manager Nicole Still said: “Public sightings play an essential role in informing and directing our strategic efforts. Whilst we recognise 2020 was an… […]

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Cally Gardens Wildlife Hide is now open!

…the cost of all the necessary materials. Kevin Hughes of Cally Gardens welcomed the idea of hosting the hide in woodland that he owns behind and above his celebrated walled garden: we are very grateful to him for this access. A few dedicated Squirrel Group members have built the hide itself, using recycled timber whenever possible. The tree canopy has… […]

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Publications

Publications   Guidelines and Advice Priority Areas for Red Squirrel Conservation (PARCs) in South Scotland Supplementary feeding of red squirrels Red squirrel post mortems Red Squirrel-road-warning-signs-in-Scotland Red squirrel leprosy Use of Virkon for disinfecting squirrel feeders   Reports Saving an Icon – DCA Final Report 2017-2022 Squirrelpox Detection in the Central Lowlands 2017-2020 2019 Spring Survey Report 2018 Spring Survey… […]

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Get the big picture – summer survey results 2013

…still as widespread as last year. Conversely – from our results so far – grey squirrel presence seems well down on last year; however, it is still too early to draw firm conclusions. In the south of Scotland, more than 100 new tetrads (or 2km square survey areas) were set up and surveyed for the first time this spring. Initial… […]

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Lovely dreich days in the west

Original Author: Clare McInroy The sun had to disappear at some point and it just happened to be when I am out and about finding out what food is on offer for the squirrels in my local patch.   I knew I had got lucky with the weather for my first month in the Loch Lomond National Park. The minute… […]

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Suspected squirrelpox cases on the Solway Coast

…are asking people living within these areas to be extra vigilant. Squirrelpox is a virus carried by grey squirrels without causing them any harm. However, if spread to red squirrels the disease is deadly. Red squirrels develop wet pus-filled lesions on their faces, particularly around the eyes, nose and mouth, as well as on their paws and genitalia. They become… […]

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This Year's Sightings