Call for Scots to become a nation of squirrel spotters this Red Squirrel Week

…red and grey squirrel sightings or by getting involved with a local volunteer group. Over 5000 squirrel sightings were reported in 2017 but with the launch of their new Hub, SSRS is this year looking to hit the 10,000 target. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Project Manager, Dr Mel Tonkin said: “For Red Squirrel Week, we’re launching a brand new website… […]

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Reports of suspected squirrelpox near Cardrona

  Multiple suspected cases of squirrelpox from Cardrona in the Scottish Borders have been reported to Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels in recent weeks.   Sightings and photographs of sick red squirrels, believed to be suffering from squirrelpox, have been reported to us from Cardrona and the surrounding area. While we investigate the situation further, we ask people living in the… […]

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A red squirrel first for Luss Estate

…volunteers have been contributing to our grey squirrel control work in the area, so it’s great to see their efforts finally paying off. One of the long-term goals in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park action plans, including ‘Wild Park 2020’, is working towards a long-term goal of maintaining the whole area as a ‘red-only’ zone.   An… […]

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Major boost for Scotland’s red squirrels thanks to National Lottery funding

…red squirrels.Scotland is home to just 120,000 red squirrels, three quarters of the UK population. The main threat to native squirrels comes from competition with invasive non-native grey squirrels and the spread of the deadly squirrelpox virus.   Dr Mel Tonkin, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Project Manager said: “Our work since 2009 shows that through targeted control of grey squirrels… […]

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SNOW DAY!

Original Author: Paul McDonald, Project Officer for Argyll, the Trossachs and Stirling Paul McDonald, Project Officer for Argyll, the Trossachs and Stirling, has fun in the snow.   One of the advantages of my position being three days per week is that I can take advantage of the weather. Today (Tuesday March 3rd), I woke up to discover that several… […]

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How can mathematical modelling help save red squirrels in Scotland?

…Lurz of Edinburgh University explain how mathematical modelling has helped Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels develop a strategy for protecting red squirrels in both the Central Lowlands and South Scotland.   Mathematics seems perhaps an unlikely tool to help save red squirrels in Scotland, yet for the last five years it has been an integral part of Scottish Wildlife Trust, Scottish… […]

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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… […]

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Red Squirrel Rambles

…Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen | North East Scotland Take a stroll through formal gardens, woodland and nature trails on the lookout for signs of squirrels.   Duration: 50 Minutes Facilities: Parking, Public Toilets Public Transport Available Nearby: Yes Difficulty: Easy Wilderness Ranking: 1/3   Atholl Estates’ Glen Tilt, Blair Atholl | Tayside Explore historic woodland on the beautiful at Atholl Estates’… […]

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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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This Year's Sightings