Jump in North East squirrel numbers

There's been a big rise in the number of red squirrels in the North East.

Since 2011, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels has been monitoring squirrel populations in the parts of the country where red squirrels are most under threat from the spread of non-native grey squirrels. Grey squirrels, which were introduced to Britain from North America in the 19th Century, out-compete red squirrels for resources, and can also carry squirrelpox, a virus that doesn't harm them but is deadly to reds.

The most positive results were found in North East Scotland, where red squirrels have significantly increased their range, particularly around Aberdeen. There has also been a growing number of sightings near Aberdeen City Centre.

Squirrel populations are surveyed using feeder boxes placed in the same areas of woodland each spring. When a squirrel visits a feeder box, a sticky tab collects some of its hair, which can then be identified under a microscope.