All things invasive with the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative

…diluting the native gene pools. E.g. non-native Sika deer are interbreeding with our native Red deer. Habitat alteration; invasive species can alter invaded habitats. E.g. where Himalayan balsam forms dense stands on river banks, these die back in the winter leaving bare soil which is prone to erosion, which can contribute to flooding problems. Spread of disease; invasive species can… […]

Read More…

New Frontiers for Volunteers

Original Author: Lorna Hutchison, Volunteer Lorna Hutchison, new volunteer for the Argyll & Trossachs project area, tells us the reasons she has recently started volunteering for the project.   As an undergraduate at university it was the hands-on, practical side of my biology degree that got me into conservation. Now having studied a Master’s degree in Sweden and worked in… […]

Read More…

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… […]

Read More…

To feed or not to feed?

Original Author: Alexa Seagrave   We often get asked about feeding red squirrels, and the very best thing you can do is make your garden as wildlife friendly as possible.   Planting native shrubs and small trees for berries and nuts will provide the best natural food for free and give the best nutrition. So get out there and plant… […]

Read More…

Community action in Galloway

…the Gatehouse Gala event at Cream o’Galloway, the Stewartry Show in Castle Douglas and the Kirkcudbright Country Fair. Community involvement, and indeed ownership, of this campaign is the only answer for now. Peter accepts a £500 cheque for Gatehouse Squirrel Group, thanks to Cream o’Galloway’s container recycling scheme For more information on getting involved with Gatehouse Squirrel Group, email gatehousesquirrels@gmail.com… […]

Read More…

See you in a few years…

Original Author: Paul McDonald   Paul McDonald, Project Officer for Argyll & the Trossachs, is very sad to be leaving the project this week. Please continue to report your sightings on this website!   Sadly, this is my last week working as Project Officer for Saving Scotland’s Red squirrels. I’ve had a very interesting year of work, with some great… […]

Read More…

Spotting the elusive Scottish Red Squirrel

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… […]

Read More…

This Year's Sightings