Scotland’s much loved red squirrels are taking centre stage next week as people across the country are asked to help protect them simply by reporting the squirrels they see.
The eighth Great Scottish Squirrel Survey runs from 5 to 11 October, with sightings of both native red squirrels and invasive grey squirrels helping conservationists understand where populations are changing and where Scotland’s reds may be under threat.
Red squirrels are one of Scotland’s most recognisable native animals, but their population has declined in recent decades as they face competition from non native grey squirrels.
Some grey squirrels can also carry squirrelpox, a virus which can be deadly to reds, making it particularly important for conservationists to understand where the two species are coming into contact.
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is running the nationwide survey during Red Squirrel Awareness Week and wants everyone from hillwalkers and families to people watching from their kitchen windows to take part.
More than 1,500 squirrels were recorded during last year’s event, making it Scotland’s biggest squirrel survey and providing valuable information for conservation work across the country.
Every sighting matters because the records help conservation teams track changes in the distribution of both species, identify areas where action should be prioritised and spot places where grey squirrels could pose an immediate threat to reds.
Molly Martin, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Communications and Engagement Officer for the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said:
“Anyone can be a red squirrel conservationist, just by submitting a squirrel sighting to our website.
“The information we get from members of the public all year round is so helpful, and the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey provides a snapshot of where red and grey squirrels are being seen at one of their most active times of year.
“This helps us understand how population distributions are changing as a result of our work.
“Every sighting of both red and grey squirrels is important, and we hope that people will enjoy spending time outside looking for squirrels too!”
This year the project has teamed up with Walkhighlands, encouraging walkers and hikers to keep looking into the trees as they explore Scotland.
Paul Webster, Co-founder of Walkhighlands said:
“Catching sight of a red squirrel while we’re out and about is always a thrill and makes us feel incredibly lucky.
“We’ll be reporting any sightings and hope that as many people as possible do the same which will help with the conservations of these cheery creatures.”
Squirrels can be reported wherever they appear, from Highland forests and remote walking routes to busy urban areas and back gardens.
Events will also take place around Scotland during the survey, while people can organise their own squirrel watches, explore self guided trails or simply spend a little more time looking at the wildlife around them.
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and works alongside communities, landowners and partner organisations to protect reds in areas where they are most threatened by greys.
And for anyone lucky enough to catch that unmistakable flash of red among the trees next week, taking a moment to report it could make that sighting a small but valuable part of protecting Scotland’s red squirrels.
