Landowners

The help of landowners, foresters and gamekeepers is crucial to the success of Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS).

We aim to establish a network of landholdings all working together to achieve red squirrel conservation through grey squirrel control and integrated habitat improvements.  Achieving a unified approach will help us form a barrier against the spread of grey squirrels and develop environmental foundations to help red squirrels thrive and increase in number. 

Our project officers are working to help make red squirrel conservation easy for landowners in our target zones, offering detailed assistance with funding applications for grey squirrel control, running a trap-loan scheme with training and support for those ineligible for funding, and giving advice on habitat management techniques which help red squirrels thrive. 

Funding is available for landowners to support grey squirrel control for red squirrel conservation through the Scottish Rural Development Programme. Project officers are experienced in drawing up successful applications for funding for this purpose and are on hand to help landowners with the application process. Funding is also available to help with habitat improvements which are red squirrel friendly and also work towards achieving broader biodiversity objectives for your area.  SSRS project officers can provide advice on red squirrel friendly forest management techniques which are eligible for grant funding.  Contact us today. 

We have recruited Grey Squirrel Control Officers to provide trapping cover for any gaps in our network and SSRS project partner, Forestry Commission Scotland, is also controlling grey squirrels on its own land within target zones and managing their woodlands to benefit red squirrels.  If we all work together, we have a better chance of protecting red squirrels across north Scotland.