Plans To Boost Red Squirrel Numbers In North
Conservation charities are joining forces in a bid to help preserve Scotland’s endangered red squirrel populations.
Trees for Life and the Highland Foundation for Wildlife are hoping to introduce the native species to 10 locations in the Highlands over the next three years.
The long-term aim is to boost numbers by more than 10%.
The project will involve conservation experts carefully relocating red squirrels from areas of Scotland where they are thriving to remote forests in the north-west Highlands where there are no squirrels at present, but good quality habitat for them.
It will build on pioneering work by Roy Dennis MBE of the Highland Foundation for Wildlife which has demonstrated impressive results – 40 red squirrels that he moved into woodlands at Dundonnell in 2008, for example, have already expanded into a thriving population of around 400, and two further translocations were also very successful.
“Through an effective and proven approach, this exciting initiative will help red squirrels return to the forests where they belong for the first time in decades – leading to significant new populations of this iconic species and offering real hope for its long-term survival,” said Alan Watson Featherstone, Trees for Life’s Executive Director.
“Increasing red squirrel numbers will also benefit our native forests and the many species that depend on them, because red squirrels are nature’s tree planters. They collect and bury thousands of tree seeds each autumn, but frequently forget these hoards – which in spring take root and so expand our woodlands.”
The project has been made possible by a grant of more than £61,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, HLF grants have helped to protect an amazing range of landscapes, habitats, and species of plants and animals. The Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted to support the Caledonian Forest Wildlife Project – which will provide opportunities in both rural and urban communities for volunteers to learn about wildlife, as well as training in practical conservation skills. We are pleased to support projects that will stimulate an interest in our precious natural heritage and so help conserve it for future generations.”