The Great Scottish Squirrel Survey returns for its second year this autumn. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) are calling on people all over Scotland to explore outdoors on the lookout for tufted ears and bushy tails between 21-27 September, during National Red Squirrel Week.

SSRS monitors squirrel populations all year round, but autumn remains a particularly rewarding time of year for squirrel-spotting. Squirrels are often more visible as they busily forage the autumn harvest in preparation for the winter ahead.

Anyone can take part in the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey by reporting sightings of both red and grey squirrels throughout the week. Each sighting creates a snapshot of the situation, helping the project understand how populations are changing over time and to decide where to focus its conservation efforts.

To find out more and record your squirrel sightings, visit scottishsquirrels.org.uk

Britain has just 160,000 or so native red squirrels. About 75% of them live in Scotland’s woodlands, parks and gardens. NatureScot is a partner in the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project, led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust.