PUBLIC sightings of squirrels have become ‘more important than ever’ as an annual survey begins next week.

The nationwide Great Scottish Squirrel Survey starts next week, and Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels wants everyone to get outside, explore nature, and take part.

The annual citizen science nature survey will run between Monday, September 30 and Sunday October 6, and is a chance people to contribute towards red squirrel conservation.

Nicole Still, programme manager, said: “Red and grey squirrels have turned up in some very unusual places in 2024 - from reds in urban areas such as Bishopbriggs to the first in Glasgow in many decades. Alongside this we had our first confirmed death in the Central Lowlands of a red squirrel from squirrelpox earlier in the year.

“As such its more important than ever that we gather as many public squirrel sightings as possible. Reporting a sighting is a simple thing anyone can do to help – by being our eyes on the ground the public can make an invaluable contribution towards critical Scottish nature conservation efforts.

“Last year over 1,300 people reported almost 2,000 squirrel sightings in just one week. Let’s make this year’s survey even greater.”

2024 has been a big year for squirrels after the first death of a red squirrel due to squirrelpox in Fife, which means public sightings are more important than ever.

Red squirrels are Scotland’s only native squirrel species, but in recent decades their population has declined due to the introduction of grey squirrels.

This rival species outcompetes them for food and habitat, alongside spreading the deadly squirrelpox virus.

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is a partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, that works with people and organisations to protect red squirrels in key priority areas where they are most under threat from greys.  

The Great Scottish Squirrel Survey week will feature a programme of events across the country as well as self-guided opportunities and more information on that can be found here.