Country park rangers hope to see red

Published on Saturday 6 July 2002 01:00

PARK rangers in West Lothian are appealing to nature lovers to help them count the number of red squirrels in the area.

A reintroduction scheme at Beecraigs Country Park has proved to be a huge success and a number of the animals have recently been spotted as far afield as Linlithgow. Rangers at the park are now hoping to gauge the spread of the animal.

Donald Bain, park ranger at Beecraigs Country Park, today appealed for members of the public who spot a red squirrel to get in touch.

He said: "Red squirrels are about two-thirds of the size and weight of grey squirrels.

"They are a chestnut colour and have distinctive tufted ears.

"While the squirrels have settled in well to the park, sightings have proved that they are doing quite nicely in Linlithgow, Livingston, Blackburn and Westwood."

Red squirrels are protected by law and cannot be trapped, killed or kept without special permission.

Any sightings should be reported on 01506 844516.