FANS of red squirrels can now find the best sites to see them thanks to a new leaflet showing their hotspots.
Featured are 12 sites to view the lovable rodents in the wild.
Forestry Commission Scotland’s red squirrel conservation officer, Juliet Robinson, joined Farr Primary P6 and P7 pupils at one of the sites, School Wood at Farr, near Inverness, to promote the publication.
The pupils and headteacher, Sheila Lamont, are responsible for the upkeep of the wood’s feeder and remote camera used to attract and track their little furry friends.
Ms Robinson said seeing red squirrels in the wild was a wonderful experience and paid tribute to pupils for helping to sustain the local population.
She also said the Highlands was still free from grey squirrels which have displaced the reds in other parts of the UK.
“This is a grey-free zone, and we’d like to keep it that way,” she added.
“That means doing all we can to help the reds and being vigilant against the arrival of greys.
“Keeping track of the reds and their success is all down to the fantastic volunteers we have who submit records of sightings they make.”
The leaflet includes a squirrel fact file, as well as details of how visitors can get involved and help record the range and number of the rodents.
The leaflet has been produced by conservation project Red Squirrels of the Highlands, funded by LEADER, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Cairngorms National Park Authority.
To download a copy visit www.redsquirrelsofthehighlands.co.uk
