Red Squirrels
The native red squirrel in the UK is in danger with approximately 140,000 remaining, of which 75% are in Scotland.
The reduction of the red squirrel population is a result of the spread of the non-native grey squirrels, which not only compete for food and space but carry a disease called squirrelpox which is fatal to red squirrels. Although carriers themselves, the greys are immune to the disease.
In recent years red squirrels have made a comeback, particularly in Scotland. The National Park is almost a red-only zone, thanks to a concerted effort since the start of the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) project in 2009.
We are located in a crucial area for the long-term conservation of these iconic and much loved endangered animals.
Red Squirrels in the Trossachs
Thanks to projects supported by conservation charity Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and others, the numbers of Red Squirrels are starting to increase, but more work needs to be done to ensure longer-term success.
In the run up to last Christmas our near neighbour Duff Christmas Tree Farm raised funds from customer donations for a range of projects to support Red Squirrel conservation, supporting local groups, including the installation of bird feeding boxes in the southern woodland areas of the Trossachs and nearby Gartmore.
Also, in the Trossachs at Callander there is work being done by local residents and landowners to create a corridor of control to reduce the likelihood of grey squirrels coming into the National Park from Stirling. Other sightings around the Park Life area include Gartocharn and Balloch Castle Country Park.
You may be lucky and see Red Squirrels in our grounds and woodland area. The Lodge Visitor Centre at Aberfoyle is a good place to see them, as they have a special wildlife hide.
Further afield in Cowal, Benmore Botanical Garden and Cormonachan Woodlands, by Loch Goil, both have hides and feeding stations. One place where Red Squirrels are especially thriving is Arran, as there are only reds on the island, with no greys. You’ll find a hide in the grounds of Brodick Castle.
