What are we doing? In Spring 2026 we join with the other fifteen volunteer groups across the south of Scotland and the Red Squirrel Recovery Network across the North of England to undertake a survey of grey and red squirrel populations. Each group has a number of randomly selected 2kmx2km squares to do their surveys in (these are called tetrads).
 

How do we do it? Two sites are chosen within each tetrad. At each site we will install a squirrel feeder and trail camera. After two weeks we will return to each site, retrieve the feeder and camera and count the maximum number of grey and/or red squirrels on the feeder at any one time during that 2 weeks.

What do we do with the data we collect? The data will be collated and added to that of the other groups and this will form the basis of our collective conservation work across the south of Scotland. The data will be published.

How can I get involved? We will be contacting those who helped out in 2025, but this year we have three new Tetrads to cover, so will be looking for new volunters. Click the map below to see what areas we are covering and for the opportunity to help us out.