Red not Dead

Get your bins out: it's spotting time

You should be counted lucky if you see a redhead these days. They’re out-competed by beastly grey barnets, and may well die out completely. We’re not talking about silver-haired pensioners mowing down unlucky gingers: we’re worried about red squirrels. A new campaign to count up the last remaining enclaves in the Scottish Highlands is underway, and they’re calling for volunteers to help.

The project, which encourages people to take part as volunteers, has been launched during Red Squirrel Week and has received European Union funding.

“You will be armed with maps and guides to finding red squirrels – guides to 'squirrelled' cones and nuts, drays and advice on when you are most likely to encounter a red squirrel,” said Juliet Robinson, red squirrel conservation officer.

It highlights the fact that red squirrels (sciuris vulgaris) usually die out of an area within about 15 years of grey squirrels moving in. The stress of competing for food and living space with the larger, more aggressive greys is thought to be the main cause.

‘Extreme red squirrelers’ are therefore being sought to record sighting of the creatures in some of the most remote parts of the Highlands – including the south-west of Badenoch and Strathspey.

“All of this forms a vital part of finding out where red squirrels are living and this helps plan for the day that populations of grey squirrels might come into Highland,” Robinson added.

As well as CCTV, which is in place recording squirrel activity, there are three levels of involvement which people can take part in: sending in a recording (either of a stripped cone, a dray or an actual squirrel), conducting a survey or becoming a lead surveyor.

To find out more and get involved click here