Red Squirrel Survey

This two day training course will provide an introduction to red squirrel behaviour and ecology with scientific research papers and actual site visits to see and witness red squirrel behaviour and ecology. Delegates will learn to identify the characteristics of main habitats during the winter months and plan surveys for the following summer season. This will involve excursions (weather permitting) to a range of red squirrel habitats. Methods of appraisal for ecological habitat assessment in relation to red squirrels and appropriate land management is discussed and debated.

Adrian Davis leads the course and has been involved in red squirrel conservation for over 25 years. This has involved large scale surveys of Tentsmuir forest, and Ladybank Woods in Fife and sites in Perthshire to protect key populations from threats. Recent work has involved study on red squirrel dreys in broadleaved woodland in Perthshire.

Consultants, mammal surveyors and ecologists involved in the conservation, surveying and mitigation for red squirrels and their habitats.

It would be an advantage to have some:(ul)

• Be able to identify at least 5 features of red squirrels and their habitats.
• Recognise key features of red squirrels for identification.
• Identify survey methods and progress to other survey methods.
• Highlight legal protection, mitigation measures and potential licencing issues.