---

In line with our aim to protect red squirrels by keeping reds and greys apart, RSST is supporting the Red Squirrels in South Scotland project.

This is a public-private partnership with strong support from the voluntary sector. It is creating a coast-to-coast buffer zone, in south Scotland.

The buffer zone is around 15 miles deep on average and stretches up into south Scotland, focusing on the major incursion routes in particular. It is essential to ensure that red squirrels in Scotland are protected from the deadly squirrelpox virus carried by 60% of English greys. If English greys are allowed to mix with Scottish reds, the effect on the Scottish red squirrel population will be catastrophic.

As well as enforcing a buffer zone, Red Squirrels in South Scotland also monitor southern Scotland woodland to assess population numbers, and collect blood samples to check for the spread of squirrelpox. As well as protecting red squirrels, their work is vital in protecting Scottish woodland and wildlife from grey attacks.

Andy Wiseman of Buccleuch Estates is Chairman of the project steering group: “The Red Squirrels in South Scotland project is crucial to the survival of the red squirrel in the whole of Scotland - and we can't afford to fail. If we halt the spread of the grey squirrel and the transfer of squirrelpox virus then our reds will survive. If not, then the reds could be wiped out on the mainland within a decade.

“What is more, by removing the grey squirrel, we can not only save our reds but stop the damage that grey squirrels do to our forests, woodland birds and the woodland ecology in general.”