New project seeks first major boost in Scotland’s red squirrel numbers in decades

Red squirrel © Peter Cairns www.northshots.com

An innovative new project by conservation charities Trees for Life and the Highland Foundation for Wildlife aims to secure a major increase in the range of Scotland’s red squirrel populations for the first time in decades.

The Caledonian Forest Wildlife Project – which launches this summer – has the ambitious goal of establishing 10 new populations of the species in the Highlands over the next three years, with the long-term aim of boosting red squirrel numbers in Scotland by more than 10 per cent. It will also provide a unique opportunity for volunteers, including those from remote communities, to take an active

Red Squirrel feeding on fungus and Spruce cones

Back in mid September I had started to investigate a section of forest to the south west that I'd not surveyed; and which is geographically more isolated from disturbance than the surrounding areas. There is evidence of more Red Deer than in some other parts and I hope to give this more attention over the winter.

In a mature stand of Norway and Sitka Spruce were plenty of squirrel signs and I set up a couple of cameras to see what was about. The video clip below shows a Red Squirrel feeding on a fungus near the base of a Norway Spruce. When I first looked at the clips I thought I was getting false triggers but realised, on closer inspection, that the squirrel was breaking off pieces of the fungus and disappearing up the tree, only to drop bits from the canopy; which were triggering the camera as they hit the ground. If you watch carefully you'll see this happen part way through the clip.

Ultimately the squirrel pulled the fungus out of the ground, tipped it upside down and demolished it, leaving the scattered remains. While some of the fungus was consumed a large part of it was thrown about and left which had me wondering if this behaviour is an exhibition of what we would refer to as playing.

Green Sitka Spruce cone partially fed on by squirrel.

More feeding on Sitka cones. The ones that are almost completely stripped where also green cones.

Here a squirrel had taken a Norway Spruce cone onto a fallen trunk.

and not far away, this pile of Sitka cones, partially hidden under brush at the base of a Sitka have been fed on by either mice or voles. Note the close gnawing off of the scales in contrast to the untidy appearance of squirrel fed cones.

Forestry Commission Scotland - Conserving Scotland’s Red Squirrels - Red squirrel conservation priorities and key actions

Forestry Commission Scotland - Conserving Scotland’s Red Squirrels - Red squirrel conservation priorities and key actions

The FC are starting to release information about their joint plans with SNH for longer term Red Squirrel conservation in Scotland.

Key issues are Grey Squirrel control, Red Squirrel stronghold sites, wider habitat management and habitat effects from planning and development.

Information is a bit sketchy at present so we'll see how it develops. Stronghold areas, as I understand it, will primarily consist of small seeded conifers and, in my opinion, will need to contain a much wider age range and fragmentation of species such as Scots Pine, Larch, Norway Spruce and even Sitka than is currently practised, if it is to be successful.
The issue of larger seeded species attracting Greys is a potential problem as species such as Hazel are a natural part of a Red Squirrel's diet and its habitat.

Red Squirrel Mating Chase maybe?

Three days ago a Red Squirrel showed up at the current camera location which had a white tip to it's tail.

Nothing for three days other than Pine Marten, Badger and Fox at night, and then at about 1400 hrs today white tip was back and chasing about with a second Squirrel. This could well be a mating chase and if so, makes two females that I know have mated this spring and within 350 metres of each other.

Red squirrels in the area should do well this year due to good cone crops and a less harsh winter. Let's hope the spring and summer weather is not too wet.



Red Squirrel Chase from Ron Bury on Vimeo.

Red Squirrel on trail camera

Two days ago I moved the trail camera to a new location in a dense stand of Norway and Sitka Spruce. There's a lot of Squirrel feeding sign on cones of both species so I'm hoping to get an idea of their movements before setting up with DSLR.
Today I wasn't disappointed.


Red Squirrel on trail camera from Ron Bury on Vimeo.