Saturday 30th January in Munlochy

As you may remember, it was freezing in January.  Come to think of it, it still is!  Anyway, we managed to have a successful survey training day in Munlochy on the Black Isle.  Twelve people attended to become survey volunteers.  Some were unable to come due to the snow but will hopefully make the next date in May which will be held in the Cairngorms.

The morning consisted of a presentation by myself which outlined survey techniques and updated the group with news of Highland red squirrels.  I summarised the aim of the survey which is split into 2 levels - level 1 which is to establish presence or absence of squirrels and level 2 which is a more detailed survey to establish where they are feeding, what they are eating and approximate densitiies.  All participants recieved a survey pack.

We then ventured into the snowy wood of Littleburn, behind Munlochy to find signs of squirrels and if lucky, actual squirrels.  We found some stripped cones in the snow, a few dreys but the squirrels sensibly stayed warn and dry in their dreys.

It was a great morning and the Munlochy hotel provided a welcomed lunch after the excursion outside.  I am planning to repeat the training day in May in the Cairngorms - in Grantown or Nethybridge.  I will post details as soon as possible.

Let me know if you would like to attend the next training day

Juliet