People across Scotland are being urged to report sightings of red and grey squirrels this week as part of the country’s largest annual squirrel survey.
The eighth Great Scottish Squirrel Survey runs from 5 to 11 October, coinciding with Red Squirrel Awareness Week, and aims to build a nationwide snapshot of where Scotland’s squirrel populations are being seen.
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS), a partnership led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, organises the survey. Anyone can take part by recording a squirrel sighting online, whether it is in a garden, town, woodland or remote countryside.
Last year more than 1,100 people recorded 1,563 squirrels during the week-long survey, including 1,020 confirmed red squirrel sightings and 407 confirmed grey sightings. SSRS says public records help conservation teams understand how the distribution of both species is changing and where to focus action.
Molly Martin, SSRS Communications and Engagement Officer at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said:
“Anyone can be a red squirrel conservationist, just by submitting a squirrel sighting to our website.”
Molly Martin - SSRS
She said the annual survey provides “a snapshot of where red and grey squirrels are being seen at one of their most active times of year”, adding that every sighting of either species is important.
This year the project is working with walking website Walkhighlands to encourage people exploring Scotland’s countryside to keep an eye out.
Walkhighlands co-founder Paul Webster said seeing a red squirrel while outdoors was “always a thrill”, adding:
“We’ll be reporting any sightings and hope that as many people as possible do the same.”
Paul Webster - Walkhighlands
This map of Scotland’s conservation priorities identifies red squirrel strongholds from Fleet Basin and Eskdalemuir in the south to Culbin, the Black Isle and Morangie Forest in the Highlands, alongside areas prioritised for grey squirrel control.
Get Involved with events around Scotland
A series of events is taking place around Scotland during the survey. On Wednesday 7 October, these include a drop-in squirrel hair identification workshop at the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of the Lowes reserve and a scent-detection dog demonstration at Hazlehead Park in Aberdeen. Later in the week, there are guided walks and activities at locations including Brodick Castle, Cumbernauld, Balmaha, Geilston Gardens, Glentress Forest and Inverness. More information can be found here
Record any red or grey squirrel you see during the week at scottishsquirrels.org.uk, with sightings verified before being added to the project’s records. The results of this year’s survey are expected to be published in December.
JOB VACANCY - GREY SQUIRREL CONTROL OFFICER
Red squirrel conservation work also involves controlling invasive grey squirrels, which compete with native reds and can carry squirrelpox. SSRS staff and volunteers use public sightings alongside techniques including feeder-box monitoring, cameras, trapping and, in some areas, scent-detection dogs.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust is currently recruiting a Grey Squirrel Control Officer to work in the Scottish Borders. The £25,095-a-year post will focus on Peebles, the Tweed Valley, Selkirk and surrounding conservation areas, carrying out targeted grey squirrel control and supporting volunteers.
Applications close on 25 October and can be made at recruitment@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk