Plenty of thrills in winter chills

With winter approaching, Graham Halliday tells us how red squirrels are the main attraction in the coming weeks

The chill of December and January brings with it amorous action in the forests and hills as the mating season for foxes commences and red squirrels begin their courtship rituals.

It is easier to find the endangered, bushy tailed red squirrel at this time of year as the trees have lost their leaves. And with a little help they are becoming more common.

The 'Red Squirrels In South Scotland' project, managed by the Southern Uplands Partnership and part funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, is working to protect and enhance key red squirrel habitats in southern Scotland.

Squirrels are best seen early in the morning or late in the afternoon because they enjoy a nap around midday.

“A squirrel will usually see you before you see it,” says Red Squirrel Conservation Officer Zoe Smolka who works in Dumfries and Galloway.

“Every so often, it pays to stop and remain still for five to 10 minutes. Any nearby squirrel frozen to the spot, may feel that the danger has passed and will resume its daily activities.”

Head to Kirroughtree Forest in Galloway Forest Park which is managed by Forest Enterprise and constitutes part of Britain's largest forest park (300 square miles). There are several way-marked trails around the forest providing great habitat for the thriving red squirrel population found there. Other spots include Dalbeattie Forest, Mabie Forest and Drumlanrig Castle Gardens.

There are many landowners and farmers throughout southern Scotland who control grey squirrels i...

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• By : Graham Holiday
• In : Wildlife
• Issue : 11
• Page : 18
• Words : 482