Solway Forests Red Squirrel Network

We are a group of volunteers guided by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and supported by the Dalbeattie Community Initiative.
Our goal is to conserve red squirrels in the Solway Forests through raising awareness of their plight;
educating the wider public about the importance of recording sightings of red and grey squirrels in the local area;
providing opportunities for people to see red squirrels;
reacting rapidly to control grey squirrels.
We are planning lots of activities in the coming months to raise awareness and raise funds for this project.
If you are interested in joining our group please contact us at: solwayforestsrsn@gmail.com

Reducing the spread of the SQUIRREL POX VIRUS

Squirrel pox is a devastating virus which has a 95% fatality rate in red squirrels. Symptoms of the disease include pus-ﬁlled lesions on the face (particularly around the eyes and mouth), paws and genitalia with squirrels often showing signs of disorientation, lack of coordination and lethargy.

Squirrel pox virus is now in the Solway Forest area. If you see a red squirrel showing symptoms of the squirrel pox virus visiting your garden or a grey squirrel using your garden feeders, feeders should be removed immediately and cleaned with an anti-viral disinfectant such as Virkon.

When the pox virus has been reported in your area, we would advise suspending the use of your bird/squirrel feeders until further notice to ensure that the disease is not spread further between animals.

The Solway Forests Red Squirrel Network is the local group working with Saving Scotland’s red squirrels (SSRS) project to provide advice in the event of a pox outbreak

You can report any suspected sick red squirrels or grey squirrels direct to your local group via John Lind on 07807226263 or

Email: email@johnlind20.plus.com