All things invasive with the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative

…a year in Great Britain. Costs are incurred by the agriculture, forestry and horticulture sectors, but also by many other sectors including transport, construction, aquaculture, recreation and utilities. Some invasive species threaten our health or enjoyment of our environment. Rats, house mice and cockroaches are all invasive non-native species that can be serious house pests, and giant hogweed contains a… […]

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Busy breeding

…Mothers in good body condition produce heavier kits, which are subsequently more likely to survive their first year. Gestation lasts 5-6 weeks, after which time around 3-4 kits are born, although litters of up to six are possible. The blind, hairless kits, weighing 10-15g, are entirely dependent on maternal care while they are in the nest and until they are… […]

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Cally Gardens Wildlife Hide is now open!

…right, there is a gate through the dyke and a path up to the hide. Inside there are identification charts, a white board for recording your records, and even cushions to make your stay more comfortable! This is a lovely place to patiently spend some quiet time and just see what comes along. Peter Garson Gatehouse Squirrel Group   Download… […]

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

…unusual year with an increase in people spending time in the Scottish outdoors, we would love the public to once again head outside and help us increase our sightings to improve our understanding of Scotland’s squirrel populations”. Conservation Officer for Tayside Susie McNaughton said: “With ample nature food sources available and leaves falling, autumn is an ideal time to spot… […]

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The Story of Rusty the Red

…days went by. We began to wean him after a couple of weeks, using reduced sugar Farleys Rusks in kitten milk to start with, then offering a selection of different foods such as pine nuts, hazelnuts, broccoli, and a rat/mouse mix. Twice a week he had a couple of drops of Abidec childrens multivitamin, which he took willingly. He became… […]

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This Year's Sightings