Red squirrels of the Highlands, Feoragan Ruadh na Gaidhealtachd, is a 3 year project running from July 2009 to June 2012.

There has been a lot of work on raising awareness, recruiting volunteers and establishing the distribution of the red squirrel over the last 3 years with the HLF funded Red Squirrel Refuge project.  This took place over 3 years, 2006 to 2009.

This current project incorporates the following main activities

Lead Volunteers: Lead volunteers will be identified from existing network and new volunteers recruited and trained in necessary skills.  The project will support lead volunteers to consolidate the developing network.  Lead volunteers trained to take on greater responsibilities, ultimately becoming responsible for sustaining volunteer network outputs by end of project.  If YOU would like to become a lead volunteer, let Juliet know.

Extreme Squirrelling: The aim of this is to expand the knowledge of squirrel distribution.  Baseline survey of forest areas with no confirmed records of red squirrel.  Targeting volunteers to ensure wide geographical coverage will carry this out. Results to be displayed on the website in the form of mapped information.  Survey data can be used to inform further monitoring needs or appropriate management.  Have a look at the red squirrel guide for more details.

Grey response toolkit: Development of an emergency response protocol for sightings of greys and make this available on website within public domain.  Five 'bags' containing fast response information (printed copies of website information), contact list and equipment (camera, sticky tubes, feeders) to be used by volunteers or others in response to any reported sighting.

Squirrel Watch: Within core red squirrel forests, there will be a variety of opportunities for local communities and visitors to enjoy a squirrel 'experience' will be provided.  This will either be through interaction with interpretative media or self-discovery at a promoted site with a high squirrel population.

If you would like to futher information on how to become a lead volunteer, why not become part of our team and get in touch.