This project seeks to address the catastrophic decline of Red Squirrels. The main threat to this native species is habitat competition and spread of disease from the more robust invasive grey squirrel which continues to expand northwards and westwards, threatening red squirrel populations in Tayside and the north and west.

2 grey squirrel control officers will be employed full-time over the key six month trapping seasons in 2010 and 2011 in the priority areas of Angus and Perthshire. They will undertake grey squirrel control and survey activity to detect grey squirrel presence in under-recorded woodlands and monitor the effectiveness of the removal programme. They will also work with land managers, communities and householders to raise awareness of and encourage involvement in grey squirrel control and red squirrel conservation.