We are looking for trappers and dispatchers in the Melrose and Galashiels area

Do you live in Melrose or Galashiels?

Bill, our Grey Squirrel control officer is run off his feet at the moment travelling between several traps across our area and he could do with some help.

We are really making a difference in our project area through trapping and dispatching greys and we're starting to see reds returning, especially in the south. Unless we keep the pressure up we may well lose this important battle and we've just had another report of a red with squirrel pox west of Selkirk.

If you live in the Melrose/Galashiels area are are willing to dispatch trapped greys, then we would love you to contact us bordersredsquirrels@gmail.com

All training will be given and you'll always have the full support of Bill when you need it.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Busy time at Borders Schools Day

Twelve hundred Primary 5 school children descend on poor old Hazel

On Tuesday 20th May 2025, Central Borders Red Squirrel Network attended the annual Border Union Schools Countryside Education Day, held at Springwood Park, Kelso. In attendance were committee members Jan Ferguson, Bill Ferguson, Nigel Lorriman, plus member Liz Kiteley. And for 3 hours, our very own Hazel was interacting with hundreds of children until, that is, the heat got to him and he had to retire back to his drey for a well-earned rest.

Fresh-faced Hazel, Jan & Bill before the onslaught!

School children learning about red squirrels from our very own Jan Ferguson

The event is a fantastic opportunity for us to spread the word about our conservation activities and to educate a new generation about the threats posed to red squirrels, specifically in our region. Your membership fees help us to attend such days, so thank you for your continued support.

Hazel needed protection from the local police when things got busy!

Squirrelpox detected near Selkirk

Squirrel pox virus

It is with a heavy heart that we report at least one, and possibly two cases of squirrelpox (SQPV) in woodland outside Selkirk. The red squirrel in question was discovered on a track by a local wildlife enthusiast, who immediately reported it to a professional. The squirrel died soon after and was sent to the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences, who have confirmed the presence of SQPV.

This news is particularly sad given that we and many volunteers and landowners in the area have been working hard to control greys and the location of the infected animal is in what was considered to be a red squirrel stronghold.

How to spot SQPV

Symptoms include lethargic behaviour, weeping scabs around the eyes, nose, ears, feet and genitalia. It is almost always fatal within 10-15 days, but it is not a threat to humans as long as you take precautions when handling feeders and infected red squirrels.

Detailed instructions can be found on our website here

What can you do?

It is our responsibility to remind everyone of the protocol in such situations in order that we can mitigate against the spread of SQPV into other individuals.

• Take in all wildlife feeders for the next 4-6 weeks and thoroughly clean with an anti-viral solution

• Take photos and report sightings of sick or dead red squirrels to bordersredsquirrels@gmail.com

• Post dead red squirrel carcasses for post-mortem analysis

• Call the SSPCA on 03000 999999 if you spot a sick or lethargic red squirrel, and also notify us.

Please remain vigilant, especially if you live in or near Selkirk.