While fostering habitable environments is an important part of supporting near-extinct animals, sometimes even Scotland’s most committed conservationists need back-up. Take red squirrels; since the 1920s this species has been under threat by grey squirrels, with the Highlands becoming one of their last homelands. However, as the grey squirrel population has grown, extra measures are needed to halt their encroachment. Enter, the pine marten: as a grey squirrel predator, it’s the ideal partner in crime to help Forestry and Land Scotland protect the balance. In 2022, 35 pine marten dens were set up and annual reports have suggested that efforts have been successful, with thermal cameras showing pine marten reproduction as well as increased sightings of red squirrels. Encouragingly, as recently as August 2024, residents of East Dunbartonshire captured rare images of a red squirrel, making this one of the most southerly sightings in Scotland’s Central Belt for years. The Scottish Wildlife Trust, who led the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project, says that increasing pine marten populations in the Central Lowlands may well have contributed to the sighting, along with grey control efforts by staff and volunteers in the region.
With so many brilliant initiatives happening right outside our door, Gleneagles is passionate about how we can better support biodiversity across our own 850 acres. In 2024, we commissioned Forth Rivers Consulting to undertake biodiversity surveys to provide us with a comprehensive report on the species and habitats present across our Glorious Playground. This led to the development of a three-year plan to protect and enhance wildlife for future generations.
