Tips for sighting

Here are some handy tips for hunting red squirrels:

Where to look

• Sunny south-facing slopes
• Paths and rides
• Trees of cone bearing age
• Mixed woods are best
• Hazel bushes in the autumn
• Conifers in late summer when the cones are ripening

When to look

• First and last light is best
• Summer - any time of day
• Winter - at noon (warmest time of day)
• Autumn is the best time as they are foraging and hiding food

Best sites in the Highlands

• Caledonian pinewoods of the Cairngorms
• Mixed woodland anywhere in the Highlands
• Hazel woods on sides of roads

Equipment

• A good pair of binoculars
• A good map of the woodland
• Field guide to squirrel signs
• Dark clothing
• Walking boots or wellies
• A GPS or compass and map