Red Squirrel Appreciation Day
Red Squirrel Appreciation Day falls on the 21 January this year and we're sharing some of our favourite spots to watch these charismatic creatures. Red squirrels can be seen all year round and in many places across Scotland. Some of the best places to view them include pine forests and broadleaf woodlands of the Highlands, Central Lowlands and Dumfries and Galloway.
In addition to providing a great wildlife experience, through monitoring and reporting any sightings of red squirrels we can help to protect them from the deadly squirrel pox disease. As part of these efforts we're also asking people to report grey squirrel sightings. Our Wildlife Ecologist, Lisa Kerslake, explains more:
“Everyone loves red squirrels and would want to save them from the horrible effects of the squirrel pox, a disease that is carried by grey squirrels without affecting them but that is lethal for red squirrels.
Lots of people find grey squirrels’ antics entertaining and attractive, too, but I’m sure they would agree that with no cure or treatment for the disease looking feasible, something has to be done to prevent the suffering of reds, who are also displaced by grey squirrels due to their ability to out compete reds for vital food resources and habitat.
The only way to do this is to control grey squirrel populations to help reduce the spread of the disease. Because the disease is slowly travelling northwards into further red squirrel territory, difficult decisions have to be made if red squirrels are to enjoy a long-term future.”
Research has shown there's no general immunity to the disease in the red squirrel population, and there's no likelihood in the near future of developing a deliverable vaccine.
Therefore in order to protect one species, control measures have to be put in place to restrict the spread or limit the population of the other.
How we can help
Lisa adds that “The best way that people can help is to join a local red squirrel group, or report grey squirrel sightings across Scotland to the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) webpage.”
We are a participating member of SSRS, which promotes and coordinates strategic control measures in the south of Scotland, the Central Lowlands, and in Aberdeenshire.
Where to see red squirrels
Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, near Stirling
Red squirrels can be seen throughout the park but a good place to start is The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre where you will find a café, lots of information and a red squirrel hide. There is also a wildlife room here which has a live camera showing garden bird feeders, the red squirrel box and recorded footage of local birds of prey.
Plan your next visit to Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
Glenmore Forest Park, near Aviemore
Much of the park is a National Nature Reserve and it's a great place to see red squirrels in the Caledonian Forest. The many trails here offer great opportunities, with squirrels darting across the trees and the tell-tale nibbled pine cones often found on the ground.
Plan your next visit to Glenmore Forest Park
Kirroughtree Visitor Centre, Dumfries and Galloway
Kirroughtree Wild Watch Hide is a great place to immerse yourself in nature. The accessible hide is along a short all abilities trail, with spaces built in for buggies or wheelchairs. There are lots of windows to ensure everyone has a great view of the red squirrel action. Kirroughtree also features a Changing Places facility, biking and walking trails, a play area and a café. Please check the website for the latest forest information.
