Join Us

We rely on volunteers to carry out the survey work to monitor populations of red and grey squirrels and to run the group. If you are interested in being involved - giving as little or as much time as you wish, please complete the contact form. Full training and support will be provided by the group. Meetings will be held every three months with talks from external speakers on a variety of related subjects. Guided walks will also be held at regular intervals throughout the year. If you know of any good locations to see red squirrels please get in touch!

We plan to issue a newsletter 2/3 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy please contact us to be placed on the mailing list, or have any information or articles you want to put in. we are also looking for sponsorship of our publications. If your company or organisation can help then please contact us.

We would welcome any individuals who would be interested in helping with fund raising. Anyone who has experience of grant applications or funding small scale local groups should contact the group to find out more about how they can help. All help is gratefully appreciated!

Sightings

As well as carrying out regular surveys in woods in Ayrshire we are keen to receive records of sightings of both red and grey squirrels. So if you have squirrels coming in to your garden or you spot one when out on a walk let us know. Just click here to complete the details.

Surveying Squirrels

The main priority for Ayrshire Red Squirrel Group is to establish baseline data on the red and grey squirrel populations for as much of our area as we can. With surveys being carried out regularly we will gradually build up a picture of where reds are persisting, where greys are moving in to and we can even work out how squirrels are moving around Ayrshire. Over time we will be able to see if grey control and "squirrel friendly" woodland management is helping the native red squirrel.

There is currently limited data available on the distribution of red and grey squirrels in Ayrshire. We know that greys are increasing their range southwards resulting in a possible decline of the red population. Of particular importance are the large coniferous forests in the south of the region bordering Dumfries and Galloway. Dumfries and Galloway is a major Scottish stronghold for red squirrels and the forests of Ayrshire provide an important buffer to limit the spread south of grey squirrels.

Arran is of special interest as well as it only has red squirrels. If we are able to survey and monitor the red population on Arran then we will have baseline data against which we can compare the populations on the mainland.

Surveying involves visiting a selected wood early in the morning to look for red and grey squirrels, signs of their feeding and dreys. There is a set procedure that needs to be carried out and full training and notes are given to all volunteers. Hair tubes are also being used in the larger forests and volunteers will be required to check them at regular intervals.

If you would be interested in finding out more about how to carry out a survey and where surveys are needed please contact us.