Dumfries and Galloway residents asked to keep an eye out for squirrels

Stewartry residents are being asked to keep an eye out for squirrels next week.

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SRSS) is holding a survey between October 10 and 16, which is also National Red Squirrel Week.

And they are asking people to log sightings of squirrels – red and grey – on a special map at www.scottishsquirrels.org.uk

SSRS project officer for south Scotland, Victoria Channin, said: “Red Squirrel Week is great time to get outside for an autumnal walk. Engaging with nature in this way is very beneficial for people’s wellbeing and adding sightings of red and grey squirrels to our online map helps us to keep track of squirrel movements in Scotland.”

Last year’s survey saw 1,549 squirrel sightings recorded across Scotland, allowing project staff to get an idea of the situation on the ground and contribute directly to red squirrel conservation action.

Programme manager, Nicole Still, said: “The public play an essential role in our work and red squirrel conservation across Scotland. The sightings data collected gives us valuable insights on how the situation with both red and grey squirrels is changing.

“The Great Scottish Squirrel Survey allows us to compare data between years which is really helpful in understanding the impact our efforts are having over time and where more help is needed.”