Partnering to Protect One of Scotland’s Most Iconic Species
Bright Green Nature is proud to be the community engagement partner for the Scottish Borders in the Red Squirrel Recovery Network (RSRN) — a major initiative led by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, working across Southern Scotland and northern England to protect and restore red squirrel populations.
Scotland remains a vital refuge for the native red squirrel, but ongoing threats from habitat loss and invasive grey squirrels require urgent, coordinated action. The RSRN project supports the long-term survival of red squirrels by linking local efforts, promoting habitat restoration and empowering communities.
More details on the partnership can be found here.
Our Role in the Scottish Borders
Red Squirrel – Lisa McLeish
As the Scottish Borders’ delivery partner, Bright Green Nature is focused on community education, engagement and volunteer activation. Our work will include:
- Delivering school, business and community workshops, walks and community outreach activities on red squirrel conservation
- Working with local volunteer groups to signpost residents to ways to report sightings and contribute to squirrel monitoring through volunteering
- Promoting woodland habitat through citizen-led habitat restoration
- Connecting volunteers with local red squirrel conservation groups already active across the region
“By working together at a grassroots level, we can ensure that red squirrels — and the ecosystems they represent — have a long term future in our Borders landscape.”
— Karen Blackport, CEO, BGN
Get Involved: Volunteer for Red Squirrels!
Want to help protect red squirrels in your local area?
The RSRN project is looking for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to support this important work — from wildlife monitoring and habitat support, to helping at events or simply spreading the word.
Interested in volunteering? Please contact: jenny@brightgreennature.org and we’ll connect you with the relevant local red squirrel conservation group in your area.