Welcome mat out at Ledmore and Migdale for red squirrels
The first of some 20 red squirrels set to be re-located to a Sutherland wood, have arrived.
Local volunteers helped settle the reds, transported in nest boxes, into their new home at Ledmore and Migdale Woods, near Spinningdale.
Conservation charities Trees for Life and Woodland Trust Scotland have linked to reintroduce red squirrels to selected north native woodlands, with Spinningdale the furthest north so far.
The project aims to increase red squirrel populations - the species is under threat from its grey counterparts and a reduction of forest areas.
Further red releases will take place at Ledmore and Migdale this month and next with the squirrels taken from thriving populations in Inverness-shire and Moray.
Becky Priestley, Trees for Life’s red squirrel project manager said: "Ledmore and Migdale Woods are a perfect habitat for red squirrels. It’s fantastic to be helping the species return to this beautiful part of the Highlands, and to be kick-starting their reintroduction to north east Scotland.”
Woodland Trust north Scotland site manager Ross Watson, said: “Volunteers from the local community have come forward to help us ease the reds into their new home. They will be feeding and monitoring the squirrels.It's great that the local community is going to be a part of this exciting project, and with 19 volunteers the squirrels will almost have one each!”
