Red Squirrel Awareness Week

This week marks Red Squirrel Awareness Week (30 September to 6 October), and this year Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels (SSRS) are encouraging you to get involved in the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey!

Red squirrels are one of our most iconic species but are severely threatened by invasive grey squirrels. Once found UK-wide, 80% of the remaining red squirrel population is in Scotland where SSRS leads on conservation action.

For effective conservation, SSRS need to understand the abundance and distribution of both red and grey squirrel populations. The RZSS WildGenes team is working closely with SSRS to develop genetic tools that can be used for population monitoring of grey squirrels, which will allow for more targeted conservation action.

Sightings reported by the public are also essential in helping SSRS respond to the threats facing red squirrels, and taking part in the Great Scottish Squirrel survey is a fantastic way for you to contribute. The survey creates a detailed snapshot of the status of squirrel populations, allowing SSRS to focus conservation efforts where they can be most effective. Taking part is simple: throw on a jacket and some boots, have a ramble in the wild, and keep your eyes open for bushy tails! Sightings can be reported once you're home and warm on the SSRS website.

Learn more about SSRS and the Great Scottish Squirrel survey