It's a packed newsletter this month with a reminder about Potato Day in Kelso on the 2nd March, the latest news on the Spring Survey and some revised information about the UK's red squirrel population.
Borders Organic Gardeners Potato Day - Sunday 2nd March 2025
Running from 11:00am-3:00pm, there's sure to be a queue to get in and this year BBC's Beechgrove Garden will be there filming the event.
So, if you're interested in getting your hands on the best seed potatos around, or even some onion setts, then this is the place to be. But that's not all - we'll have a stand at the show as will many local charities, organisations, craftspeople, foodstalls and a whole lot more. And Hazel will be making an appearance, hoping to get on the telly! https://bordersorganicgardeners.org/potatoday/
Due to some committee member absence this year, we're looking for three or four volunteers to help out with our stand during the day. If you can spare a couple of hours, or more, then please email us bordersredsquirrels@gmail.com
Spring Survey 2025
We are now almost ready for the start of the Spring survey on the 1st March and thank you to all of the volunteers who are involved. We couldn't do it without your help.
The survey runs for three months and involves the placing of a squirrel feeder box and a camera in a designated place where squirrels (of both species) may visit, for the period of fourteen days. The camera takes a photo whevever a squirrel visits the feeder and at the end of the fourteen days we take it all down, scan through the photos and record the maximum number of each squirrel species on the feeder at any one time.
We have eleven 2kmx2km "Tetrads" in our study area and each one will contain two separate sites.
All volunteers will be contacted soon for training, but please bear with us while we work through the logistics of the operation.
AGM - Denholm Village Hall 6:00pm, Wednesday 30th April 2025
A very important event every year is our AGM and an opportunity for members to learn about our conservation activities, make suggestions and meet other like-minded individuals. We will send out further details closer to the event, but please put the date in your diary. It's free to attend and includes refreshments (AKA Tea, Coffee and cake).
Latest squirrel stats
Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels has updated its estimate on the population numbers of red squirrels in Scotland. They now believe that there are 287,000 individuals throught the UK, 80% of which are in Scotland (approx. 220,000).
The Mammal Society's research on the topic can be found here.
Gift Aid request
Gift Aid is a scheme whereby we can reclaim tax on all donations given by our members, at no cost to the individual. It means that, as long as you are a UK tax payer, we can recoup from the Treasury 25p for every £1 you donate (membership fees and donations).
In order to help us make this claim, we need you to complete the following online form (click the image to access). It costs you nothing, but makes a massive difference to us.
Thank you.
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