Red Squirrel Recovery Network Case Study: Tweeddale Red Squirrel Network

Allan Johnston of the Tweeddale Red Squirrel Network shares his insights as we celebrate the remarkable return of red squirrels to areas of the Scottish Borders they once thrived in. This case study explores the dedicated conservation efforts of this inspiring volunteer group which helped an iconic species prosper once again in the region.

Meet Allan Johnston, a dedicated volunteer with the Tweeddale Red Squirrel Network, who joins us to share an inspiring story of wildlife recovery in the Upper Tweed Valley. Over the past four years, this passionate team of volunteers have worked tirelessly to protect and restore native red squirrels populations, and their efforts are delivering remarkable results.

Through population monitoring, community engagement, and close collaboration with the Red Squirrel Recovery Network, the group has celebrated the return of the iconic red squirrel to woodlands where they had long been absent. Covering more than 39,000 hectares, Tweeddale's work has helped these iconic animals flourish in areas once thought lost, bringing renewed hope of seeing one of Scotland's most treasured species back in the landscape.

Tweeddale Volunteer stands with their red squirrel mascot at a local event

"There is nothing more pleasant than walking in one of Tweeddale’s beautiful community woodlands on a nice sunny day when suddenly, out of the corner of your eye, there is a flash of red, and the swish of a red tail followed by cheeky chattering. You have been lucky enough to spot one of Scotland’s most iconic and well-loved creatures, our native Red Squirrel!

But all too often these days it’s not our beautiful Red Squirrel you see but the invasive American Grey Squirrel. Like many of the UK’s invasive species the American Grey Squirrel was introduced into this country by the Victorians, and they now present a serious threat to our native Red Squirrels, plants and wildlife. In fact, if we do nothing, we could see our Red Squirrels disappear from our woodlands in just 10 years!

Tweeddale Red Squirrel Network Volunteers stand with their squirrel mascot at a local stall

Thankfully help is at hand and locally someone is doing something to preserve Red Squirrels herein Tweedale. The Tweeddale Red Squirrel Network was set up four years ago and is an independent group totally run by volunteers. Now, working closely with The Red Squirrel Recovery Network, our work has been so successful that we are now seeing Red Squirrels in areas where we never saw them before particularly in the mid Tweed Valley around Innerleithen, Traquair and Peebles area. But we need help to achieve even more successes and to return Red Squirrels to all community woodlands for everyone to enjoy.

The Tweeddale Red Squirrel Network is a no-barriers group and is open to all. If you think you can help, please email tweeddaleredsquirrels@gmail.com. Or find us on Facebook.

More help is vital and needed to ensure the success of our group and secure the survival of our gorgeous Red Squirrels for future generations."

Tweeddale Red Squirrel sitting on a rock

This project is made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.

Allan Johnston

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Inspired by Allan's story? From the Tweeddale Red Squirrel Network to volunteer groups across northern England and southern Scotland, discover where your passion for wildlife could take you.

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