1. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels North East
Dr Gwen Maggs

2. Scotland has 75% of the UK red squirrel population
Curioso Photography ©
Scotlsnf
Scotland has 75% of the UK red squirrel population
@ScotSquirrels

3. What do we do as a project?
Jo Foo ©
What do we do as a project?
Our aim is to halt the decline of red squirrels and improve conditions for viable populations across Scotland
@ScotSquirrels

4. What has the project achieved so far?
Malcolm Harcus ©
What has the project achieved so far?
SSRS has halted the decline of red squirrels in project areas
SSRS has slowed but not halted the spread of SQPV
SSRS experience and computer modelling shows that extensive and intensive control is unlikely to do more than slow down the northwards spread of SQPV
SSRS has allowed reds to thrive
Where grey squirrel densities have been kept very low - even in southern Scotland despite widespread Squirrelpox virus (SQPV)
Computer modelling confirmed that SSRS control work has been instrumental in maintaining red squirrel populations in southern Scotland in areas affected by Squirrelpox disease
Without Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels the UK’s major red squirrel populations will continue to decline
Landscape-scale, coordinated grey squirrel population control essential over the long term to keep red squirrels in Scotland’s landscapes
@ScotSquirrels

5. North East Region Our primary activities are: Grey squirrel control
Raymond Leinster ©
North East Region
Our primary activities are:
Grey squirrel control
Monitoring of red and grey squirrel populations
Education (public, students, schools etc.)
Outreach (fairs, TV, radio, newspapers)
@ScotSquirrels

6. Grey Squirrel Control Grey Squirrel Control Officer – City and Shire
Malcolm Harcus ©
Grey Squirrel Control
Grey Squirrel Control Officer – City and Shire
Public Trap Loan Scheme
Estates – SRDP/FGS and opportunistic
@ScotSquirrels

7. Grey squirrel officers
Pete Cairns ©
Grey Squirrel Control
Grey squirrel officers
Placed with squirrel ecology in mind
Camouflage and protection
Problems:
Tampering
Vandalism
Dogs
Wildlife
Public opinion
The solution?
@ScotSquirrels

8. Public Trap Loan Scheme
Steve Gardner ©
Grey Squirrel Control
Public Trap Loan Scheme
Grey squirrel areas identified
Contact details through website
Training provided by GSCO
GSCO on call 7 days per week for dispatching
Hundreds of traps deployed over the years
Accounted for 1000’s of captures
@ScotSquirrels

9. Monitoring How do we know it’s working? Surveys
Raymond Leinster ©
How do we know it’s working?
Monitoring
Surveys
Spring “tetrad” survey since start (volunteer power!)
Autumn feeder box survey since 2014
Both use feeder boxes and “stickies”
Recording changes in distribution
@ScotSquirrels

10. 2011

11. 2017

12. Sam McDiarmid ©
Monitoring
Trapping Data
Foggieton
@ScotSquirrels

13. Monitoring Trapping Data Deeside Golf Course @ScotSquirrels
Sam McDiarmid ©
Monitoring
Trapping Data
Deeside Golf Course
@ScotSquirrels

14. Sam McDiarmid ©
Monitoring
Trapping Data
Seaton Park
@ScotSquirrels

15. Monitoring Citizen Science scottishsquirrels.org.uk
Lensman300 ©
Monitoring
Citizen Science
scottishsquirrels.org.uk
Public sightings website
Eyes on the ground
Track both red and grey squirrel distribution
Adapt management
@ScotSquirrels

16. Pete Cairns ©

17. Pete Cairns ©

18. The way forward …. Move towards monitoring
Complete removal of ”island” grey population from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
Detect any remnant or resurgent populations
Develop a supported community-based “rapid response methodology”
Develop a frontline Mearns community group

19. Developing Community Action
Malcolm Harcus ©
Developing Community Action
Legacy is integral
Local communities taking a vital role
Spreading our message
Web-based Community Hub
Training and support
Building Community Engagement
Empower volunteers and landowners to take ownership of local red squirrels
Long-term sustainability
@ScotSquirrels

20. How can you help? Report sightings (Grey and Red)
Mark Chambers ©
How can you help?
Report sightings (Grey and Red)
scottishsquirrels.org.uk
Take part in our trap loan scheme
Take part in our spring survey
Spread the word
Make a donation
@ScotSquirrels

21. Thank you Any Questions? scottishsquirrels.org.uk