Great Scottish Squirrel Survey 2021: the results

…the opportunity to get to know their local patch of nature. However, clearly many people have caught the squirrel-spotting bug as we have still received more than 13,000 sightings to our website so far this year. Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in our citizen science campaign, and to all the organisations, community groups and volunteers… […]

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Red squirrels and biosecurity

…than through competition alone. The red squirrel is both an iconic British species and also a delightful component of the Northern British woodland habitat. Many people are therefore keen to do what they can to help maintain their presence. Feeding stations for red squirrels in gardens and in woodlands are often provided to help the reds compete. In certain areas,… […]

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All things invasive with the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative

…adapted to their new environment, growing faster and out-competing our native species for space and food/nutrients. E.g. invasive plants out-compete our native wildflowers Predation; a predatory invasive species can have a significant effect on reducing the population of a native species. E.g. the significant impact on water voles by American mink predation Hybridisation; invasive species can interbreed with native species,… […]

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Busy breeding

…beginning and end of the day when the adults are active. Squirrels frequently don’t stray far from the maternal drey for much of the summer but the majority of juveniles will have dispersed by autumn. It is estimated that only 15-25% will survive their first winter. Red squirrels reach sexual maturity by 9-10 months of age, so with sufficient food… […]

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Fife Squirrelpox Update

…month. However, we are asking Fife residents to remain vigilant and to do the following: Report all sightings of both grey and red squirrels: scottishsquirrels.org.uk/squirrel-sightings/ Clean wildlife feeders regularly with an anti-viral disinfectant such as Virkon S: https://bit.ly/3tOHr9X Send any dead red squirrel carcasses found for post-mortem: https://bit.ly/4aI8RP1 Email photos of any sick red squirrels seen to squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk In the… […]

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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