1. Landscape-scale grey squirrel control across Scotland
Dr Gwen Maggs

2. Mark Medcalf ©
Introduction
Invasive species are a global threat to native biodiversity
In the UK grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) have been one of the most detrimental
Grey squirrels are native to USA and Canada
Introduced to UK in the 19th Century
As a result native red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) populations are on the brink of extinction across much of the UK
75% of the population remaining in Scotland
@ScotSquirrels
scottishsquirrels.org.uk

3. @ScotSquirrels scottishsquirrels.org.uk Curioso Photography ©
© Craig Shuttleworth/RSST
@ScotSquirrels
scottishsquirrels.org.uk

4. Conservation Management
Raymond Leinster ©
Conservation Management
Conservation projects across the UK work tirelessly to control grey squirrels
To preserve the remaining, isolated red squirrel populations
Grey squirrel eradication has been achieved on Anglesey, Wales
Our project is tackling the whole of Scotland, taking a landscape-scape approach
@ScotSquirrels
scottishsquirrels.org.uk

5. What do we do as a project?
Steve Gardner ©
What do we do as a project?
Our aim is to halt the decline in red squirrel populations across Scotland
Improve conditions for viable populations into the future
To date we have proven that large-scale grey squirrel control can stabilise and increase red squirrel populations and although it cannot prevent squirrelpox spread it enables red populations to survive where outbreaks occur
@ScotSquirrels
scottishsquirrels.org.uk

6. What about the future? Grey squirrels are a continuous threat
Raymond Leinster ©
Sam McDiarmid ©
What about the future?
Grey squirrels are a continuous threat
Reducing or removing management is not an option and will result in the extirpation of reds from across Scotland
Long-term management required
Project commitment
Financial support
Volunteer power
@ScotSquirrels
scottishsquirrels.org.uk

7. Developing Community Action
No Bad Photos ©
What about the future?
Developing Community Action
Grey squirrels are a continuous threat
Reducing or removing management will result in the extirpation of reds from across Scotland
Legacy is integral
Local communities taking a vital role
Building Community Engagement
Empower volunteers and landowners to take ownership of local red squirrels
Long-term sustainability
@ScotSquirrels
@ScotSquirrels
scottishsquirrels.org.uk
scottishsquirrels.org.uk

8. https://scottishsquirrels.org.uk/
Web-based Community Hub
Complete online resource
Information
Data recording
Training and support
Creating a Scottish network
@ScotSquirrels
scottishsquirrels.org.uk

9. Who can use the Hub? Squirrel spotters
Pete Cairns ©
Who can use the Hub? Squirrel spotters
@ScotSquirrels

10. Create an account to keep a personal sightings record across Scotland
@ScotSquirrels

11. Who can use the Hub? Volunteers
Curioso Photography ©
Who can use the Hub? Volunteers
@ScotSquirrels

12. Survey volunteers can view survey results as soon as they are confirmed…
@ScotSquirrels

13. …and view results across the country
@ScotSquirrels

14. Trapping volunteers can enter their data online…
@ScotSquirrels

15. …and view results across the country
@ScotSquirrels

16. Volunteers can also view their training record and report volunteering hours
@ScotSquirrels

17. Who can use the Hub? Network members
Raymond Leinster ©
Who can use the Hub? Network members
@ScotSquirrels

18. Use the directory to connect with a local volunteer network
@ScotSquirrels

19. Invite new members to the group
Networks can…
Invite new members to the group
View regional sightings and trapping data
Managing trapping data
Post events and documents Communicate via messaging
Communicate via messaging and the forum
@ScotSquirrels

20. Who can use the Hub? SSRS Staff
Managing sightings data
Managing survey data
Managing trapping data
People manager
Supporting volunteers and networks
@ScotSquirrels

21. Conclusion Landscape-scale grey squirrel control is working
Raymond Leinster ©
Conclusion
Landscape-scale grey squirrel control is working
Red squirrel populations are stable or recovering
Long-term term management required
Developing Community Action
Establish a volunteer network
Supported through the hub
Create project legacy and sustainability
@ScotSquirrels

22. Raymond Leinster ©
Conclusion
Above all, protect the red squirrels across Scotland and ensure their survival into the future
Martin Patten ©
2022….
© Craig Shuttleworth/RSST
© Craig Shuttleworth/RSST
@ScotSquirrels
scottishsquirrels.org.uk

23. Thank you

24.
@ScotSquirrels