Glenkens Red Squirrel Group

Glenkens Red Squirrel Group was formed in 2015 with the aim to conserve red squirrels by controlling numbers of non-native grey squirrels, and protecting the red native squirrel in the Glenkens. We are also members of Red Squirrel Forum for South Scotland.

The advance of Grey Squirrels in recent years has been well advertised, at the cost of our beloved Red Squirrel species. As Red squirrels have disappeared from most of the United Kingdom their Galloway stronghold has become increasingly important. We have a vibrant population of Red Squirrels but cannot take this for granted.

The group makes the best use of latest technology and information in the efforts to control grey squirrel advance and to raise the profile of this issue. Cameras, thermal imaging scopes and IT equipment are used to assist in this important work.

One of the biggest things that the public can do to assist the cause is to log sightings of all squirrels on the Saving Scotland's Red Squirrel site: https://scottishsquirrels.org.uk.

Whether the squirrel is grey or red, alive or dead the data is vital in tracking their distribution in Scotland and can be used by our local groups to assist their work.

To promote a better understanding and to support red squirrels in the Glenkens, our group can deliver presentations to groups and we also attend local events. This not only provides us with the opportunity to attract new members and fundraise for the group, it also provides us with the opportunity to interact with and inform other attendees about the wider work of Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels. Attending such events requires a fair bit of time and effort and we welcome help from members (new or old ) to assist with the setting up and manning of the stall etc.

If you feel that you could spare some time in helping conservation of red squirrels in the Glenkens please email glenkenssquirrels55@gmail.com.