Bill Ferguson spent his working career between the Merchant Navy, Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence. Initially as a seaman, then as a radar operator, and eventually as a military policeman where he honed his expertise in firearms of various types.
Bill and his wife Jan lived for a time in Argyll, where Jan ran the Cowal Red Squirrel Group. Eight years ago they moved to Denholm near Hawick in the Central Scottish Borders.
With red squirrel volunteer groups stretched from Berwick on Tweed to Stranraer, it took no time for Bill and Jan to get involved. With Jan at the helm as Chair, the Central Borders Red Squirrel Network (CBRSN) was formed in 2023, having gone through some changes in identity to encompass an ever growing network of supporters and to undertake red squirrel conservation across the central Borders. CBRSN now covers an area of 430km².
As the group’s Grey Squirrel Control Officer, Bill, by then retired, quickly established a network of local trappers to increase the capacity for grey squirrel control, travelling extensively throughout the region. He also co-chairs the South of Scotland Red Squirrel Forum (SSRSF), which was formed to enable all the different local groups to learn from and support each other. Aside from trapping, shooting, and maintaining traps and feeders Bill (at times dressed in a red squirrel suit) attends CBRSN events which are the key driver for volunteer recruitment, woodland access, education and fundraising through sales of merchandise. Other group income is derived from annual membership fees.
Bill was nominated by the CBRSN as their perfect ambassador, tireless, patient and generous with his time and his hospitality. His work has reaped success in the repopulation of reds as well as increased activity on all fronts.
During the presentation of the David Stapleford trophy, it emerged that Bill and Jan had attended an awards ceremony at Alnwick Castle in 2012, at which David Stapleford himself was awarded the very same trophy by the Duke of Northumberland, and both had had the opportunity to talk to David on that occasion.
For Bill there are two things that make his work in red squirrel conservation and grey squirrel control worthwhile. They are the opportunity to engage and work with such a diverse group of volunteers, and the sheer pleasure in learning that areas that have been cleared of greys are now seeing red squirrels return.
For volunteering or donations in the Central Borders, please contact bordersredsquirrels@gmail.com or visit www.bordersredsquirrels.com.
For other areas of the UK contact markhendersonrsst@gmail.com.
