Supporting Red Squirrel Conservation

Here at Duff Christmas Tree Farm, we work hard to make our processes as environmentally friendly as possible. This Christmas we have decided to support a great conservation project, happening close to the farm. We are supporting the Return of the Reds, an initiative to support native red squirrel conservation in the National Park.

In the UK red squirrels numbers are at approximately 140,000, of which 75% are in Scotland. The reduction of the red squirrel population is a result of the spread of the non-native grey squirrels, which not only compete for food and space but carry a disease called squirrel pox which is fatal to red squirrels. Although carriers themselves, the greys are immune to the disease.

In recent years red squirrels have made a comeback, particularly in Scotland. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is almost a red-only zone, thanks to a concerted effort since the start of ‘Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels’ (SSRS) project in 2009. Our farm is on the edge of the National Park, close to the Trossachs, with magnificent views of Ben Lomond from the Christmas Tree fields.

This year we are donating 25p from every tree sold to local charity Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, who will use the funds to support red squirrel conservation in the National Park. We have collection tins at the payment points on the farm so if you wish to contribute yourself it will be very much appreciated.