Great Scottish Squirrel Survey 2025

This week is Red Squirrel Appreciation Week and Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) are calling on people all over Scotland to get outside, explore nature and be on the lookout for tufted ears and bushy tails for their seventh annual Great Scottish Squirrel Survey.

People are being encouraged to report their sightings of both red and grey squirrels between 6 – 12 October to provide SSRS with a snapshot of the situation on the ground.

Anyone can take part from anywhere in Scotland. Areas of known squirrel territory are equally important as those where few squirrels have been seen before. Last year over 1,800 people reported more than 2,500 squirrel sightings in just one week – you can view previous sightings records here.

SSRS has been collecting public squirrel sightings since 2010, last year they received a massive 17,614 sightings with the help of the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey, giving them the second highest recording year to date. The data not only improves understanding of how squirrel populations are changing over time, it also helps the SSRS team take direct conservation action.

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

Public sightings are more important than ever and play a key role in informing red squirrel conservation efforts. Each squirrel sighting reported during the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey will provide a detailed snapshot of the current situation on the ground.

You can share your Great Scottish Squirrel Survey photos and stories with SSRS by using the hashtag #GreatScottishSquirrelSurvey. You can also follow them on BlueSky,  X and Facebook for the latest Great Scottish Squirrel Survey news.

Find out more about SSRS at: Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels – Transforming hope for Scotland’s red squirrels