The See Red Highland project started with the employment of the project officer, Juliet Robinson (above right) in April 2006.   So far (May 2007) we have recruited 75 survey volunteers through survey training sessions in 3 areas, Inverness-shire in July 06, Ross-shire in September 06 and Badenoch & Strathspey in November 06.   We are planning similar sessions in other areas – Dornoch to the north and Lochaber to the south-west.  The new network of trained survey volunteers is currently undertaking surveys in Inverness-shire, Ross-shire and Badenoch & Strathspey.   We are also in the process of undertaking squirrel survey training with colleagues and partners – Forest Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage and Highland rangers.

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Any survey or sighting results will be sent to the co-ordinator of the Scottish Squirrel Survey and Juliet is adding them to a map of the Highlands to show distribution of squirrels and surveys taking place. This map is currently being created with the help of Geographic Information Systems experts. Also, Juliet has been raising awareness of Red Squirrels through talks, articles and answering general enquiries. For example, talks have been given to local conservation groups, the general public and schools.

The project logo shown above was created at the end of 2006, which will be used for squirrel events and surveys. We are planning to put the logo onto such items such as stickers, t-shirts, badges and car stickers. This will both raise the profile of the project and add incentive to people joining the survey, especially children. This will be done in the second year of the project, 2007. The display has been completed which has been used for several shows and events. This is being updated and added to over time.

In summary, this project has achieved the following so far:

	•	Regular survey training for volunteers all around the Highlands open to all and free of charge. 6 sessions in 2006, more planned for 2007. 75 trained.
	•	Survey training for FCS staff and other agencies complete and more planned for 2007. So far sessions with HC woodland officers, Forest Enterprise squirrel contacts in the Highlands and local agents.
	•	Visits to schools, so far within the Inverness area but to be expanded to cover the whole of the Highlands by the end of the project. So far spoken to approximately 130,
	•	Attend county shows to raise awareness and increase the number of members to the Highland Red Squirrel Group. For example the Black Isle show, Strontian and Moy Gamefair. In 2007 we plan to attend Dornoch and Balmachara shows.
	•	Lead guided walks in woodlands to ‘hunt’ for squirrels for members of the public – 2 successful events so far this year at Alness and Abriachan. Both events attracted 22 people (adults and children).
	•	Give talks to various groups such as local LBAP groups, Dingwall Monday Club, SWT, Highland Red Squirrel Group general meeting, Inverness walking group and the Dingwall Wildlife explorer’s. So far spoken to approximately 170.
	•	To write articles, press releases and attend interviews for radio nationally and regionally. Interviews with BBC radio Scotland, local radio, and a range of journalists from broad sheets newspapers and tabloids.
	•	Setting up remote cameras to see the ‘private lives’ of squirrels – these will be open to the public this summer of 2007 on the shores of Loch Ness. Watch out for the launch in June in the press!

What you can do.... !

Events 2007