Early efforts focused on understanding what was really happening on the ground. Volunteers logged red and grey squirrel sightings with Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS), whilst also carrying out surveys using feeder boxes with sticky pads to collect hair samples and deploying trail cameras. These surveys quickly revealed red squirrel presence across all large woodland blocks accessible to the group, with no greys detected at that stage, providing both reassurance and a clear baseline for future monitoring.

One of the group’s most effective initiatives has been the development of a simple but robust method for monitoring red squirrels in local gardens. Since 2017, householders have recorded the maximum number of red squirrels seen at any one time each month, as well as the number they can recognise individually. This approach has encouraged people to look more closely at the wildlife sharing their spaces and has provided a consistent way of tracking red squirrel presence. As Peter reflects, it also highlights “how lucky we are to live beside them so intimately”.

What is particularly striking is the picture that has emerged from these long-term efforts. Despite wider national trends, the data suggests that red squirrel populations in the Gatehouse area have remained broadly stable over time. Peter describes this as comforting to observe, while also acknowledging the limitations of citizen science and the importance of interpreting results with care. While figures from garden surveys cannot be directly compared with woodland populations, there is growing confidence that red numbers have remained largely unchanged over the past nine years, even as grey squirrel records increased, at least until recently. New evidence suggests greys may be in retreat.