Saving Scotlands Red Squirrels

A new project to stop the expansion of grey squirrel numbers in the north of Scotland will launch early next year.

Environment Minister Michael Russell heard about the project, the ultimate aim of which is to ensure a prosperous future for Scotland's native red squirrel, on a visit to Banchory today.

The project - Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels - is a joint effort between Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT), Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) and Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA).

As well as displacing red squirrels which its more aggressive feeding habits, grey squirrels carry squirrelpox - harmless to them but lethal to reds.

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