Conserving red squirrels

Red squirrels in Scotland are primarily threatened by the invasive grey squirrel, which: 

• competes for food and habitat
• carries the squirrelpox virus - fatal to red squirrels 

Conservation efforts are ongoing to help preserve and expand red squirrel populations, including:

• habitat protection
• grey squirrel control

We are very active with red squirrel conservation efforts in two main ways, by:

• being a partner in the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels initiative
• providing financial support via the Forestry Grant Scheme for actions to help red squirrels
  • for example, such as grey squirrel control and habitat management

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) is a national conservation project dedicated to protecting and expanding the population of native red squirrels in Scotland. 

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) It is led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust in partnership with: 

• various organisations, including:
  • NatureScot
  • Scottish Forestry
  • RSPB Scotland
  • Scottish Land & Estates
  • Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority
  • Aberdeen City Council
• landowners
• local communities

Key Goals of SSRS

• prevent the extinction of red squirrels in Scotland
• control the spread of invasive grey squirrels, which outcompete reds and carry the deadly squirrelpox virus
• engage communities and volunteers in conservation through citizen science and local action 

Main Activities of SSRS

• grey squirrel control in priority areas like Aberdeen and the Central Lowlands
• monitoring squirrel populations through public sightings and scientific surveys
• responding to squirrelpox outbreaks with public alerts and disease management
• habitat management to support red squirrel-friendly woodlands
• community engagement through education, events, and volunteer networks 

SSRS has already seen positive results, with red squirrel populations stabilizing or increasing in some areas.

The project continues to expand its reach and effectiveness with new funding and innovative approaches.

Red squirrels are a priority species under the Scottish Forestry Strategy.

The Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) in Scotland supports several actions aimed at conserving red squirrels.

Funded Actions for Red Squirrel Conservation 

Grey squirrel Control 

Grants are available to support the control of grey squirrels. 

This includes funding for:

• trapping
• monitoring
• coordinated regional control efforts (especially in areas where red squirrels are still present) 

Red squirrel strongholds

The FGS supports the management of designated stronghold forests.

These are 18 areas across Scotland (including the Isle of Arran) where we work to maintain and enhance red squirrel populations.

Landowners in these areas may receive support to manage woodlands in ways that favour red squirrels, such as maintaining coniferous tree cover.

View our map of red squirrel stronghold areas

Habitat Management 

Grants are available for woodland creation and restructuring that benefits red squirrels, especially in areas outside strongholds.

This includes planting tree species that support red squirrel diets and avoiding those that favour grey squirrels.

The red squirrel is a priority species in the Scottish Biodiversity List and is a priority for us.

Management of stands of conifers could affect local populations. The forestry sector therefore carries out a great deal of planning to minimise the impacts of management on breeding red squirrels and red squirrel populations.