Conservation and Science

This week's episode topic was a long time coming. It seems like the grey and red squirrel situation was an obvious one for my show that should have been covered long ago, and perhaps a few times already. But that wasn't the case. In fairness, many years ago, I was contacted by two ladies working on red squirrel conservation in Ireland and we exchanged a few emails with the view to recording a podcast. I don't remember exactly why it fell apart at the time, and the topic had to wait until now to be featured on the show.

Another interesting fact is that this week's guest contacted me after listening to episode 213 about ferret eradication. Despite both projects looking quite different on the surface, there are many similarities between them.

In other news, that some of you might be interested in, I was once again sitting in the guest seat on another podcast. The show is about podcasting, so probably not of interest to most of you subscribed to this newsletter. However, I thought I'd mention it as I like how it turned out and we talked about a few interesting topics. For example, how I try to balance views presented on the show, which is the main theme of what I'm doing here, as well as how I deal with my own biases while trying to stay objective and balanced. It's not easy, and I appreciate Josh, the host of the show, for asking those questions. If you're interested you can listen to it Spotify or YouTube.

On a separate note, this month's podcast schedule is getting busier, with Podcasthon 2026 in mid-March. So, all things playing out as planned, you'll see four episodes of the podcast this month. This is also my excuse for a shorter newsletter this time. I'd better get back to work on editing episodes slated for this month.

Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels

How did little over ten grey squirrels, brought to an Aberdeen zoo in 1971 to keep a tame squirrel called Jack company, turn into a population of over ten thousand? What does it take to eradicate an invasive species from a city? And could this project become the first urban grey squirrel eradication anywhere in the world? To discuss all of this I'm joined by James Kennedy, the Eradication Operations Lead for Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels (SSRS), a partnership project run by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. James has been on the ground since 2009, starting as a Grey Squirrel Control Officer on what was supposed to be an eighteen-month contract. Here he is, seventeen years later, closer than ever to achieving something many thought impossible.

During our conversation, James explains why grey squirrels are such a serious problem for native red squirrels and for the wider environment. It's not just about competition for food and habitat. Grey squirrels carry squirrelpox virus, which is lethal to red squirrels, usually killing them within a fortnight. They also cause millions of pounds of damage through bark stripping of trees, threatening both ancient woodlands and commercial forestry. We also discuss the role of pine martens in suppressing grey squirrel populations, a topic that is surprisingly emotive in conservation circles, and how the situation in Ireland offers some encouraging signs for red squirrel recovery.

James takes us through the practical realities of running an urban trapping operation, from getting the backing of Aberdeen City Council to managing a trap loan scheme with local residents. He shares stories of public encounters, both positive and hostile, and explains why education and patience matter when dealing with a controversial subject. We also look at alternative approaches such as fertility control and gene drive technology. But as James puts it, nothing currently replaces boots on the ground. With grey squirrel captures down to just two in 2025 and detection dogs now being deployed, the project is entering its confirmation phase. If you care about invasive species management and what is possible with long-term commitment, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

222: Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels with James Kennedy

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