Minutes 23rd November 2011
Apologies:- M.M. J.B. S.F.
Present:- L.P. R.F. J.S. J.F. H.S
Minutes of the last meeting:- read and agreed
Treasurer’s Report:- Not read M.M not Present
- H.S. stated that OSC Form had been completed and sent
1.Squirrel Hides
- Jan reported back meeting being arranged with Benmore + Lewis Pate to be present. Benmore keen for a proposed squirrel hide and had a suitable site, aware of funding difficulties and suggesting Free Day for general public to Benmore to see hide.
- Heather reported back Vicky Neville of Bishop’s Glen keen and after walk round site proposed. Suggested trial squirrel box should be placed on proposed site and committee agreed. H.S. to contact V.N. re this. Vicky making a bid to Woods in and around out Towns in March.
Hannah Clinch – Community Development Officer Ardintinny Walled Garden thinking of having a squirrel Hide
Tel 07780604031.
- Russel Gill – Colintrieve and Glendaurel Community Trust e.mailed J.F – enthusiastic to work with us
2. Regular Newspaper Articles
-H.S. sent article to Sandbank and J.F. for National Park
- A.D. completing article on rescued squirrel and J.F. to add section on protocol for dealing with an injured squirrel. H.S. to find out if Janet Ellice willing to have tel nos in local paper
- R.F. to provide Loch and Glen [ Holy Loch/Blairmore community paper] with an article on red squirrels
3. Squirrel Box Sales
No.2
4. Squirrel Monitoring
Friends of Loch Lomond still waiting for monies to come in
5. Road Shows
Agreed look at early next year
6. Web Site
H.S. sent relevant info – minutes, action plan, articles to S.F. H.S received relevant info from John’s computer disc
7. New Members
None
8. First Aid
J.F. left leaflets at Vets + J.E. TEL NOS
A.O.B.
341 leaflets left
No news from SWT re secretarial help as yet
Lewis suggested we apply for peanuts from Natural Heritage Grant Scheme for Ardgartan, Benmore and Bishops Glen H.S. to follow up
Forestry Commision Squirrel Transects – H.S. + friend volunteered on 27th Oct & 14th Nov working with Rebecca Smith [ Conservation Officer ] in Glenbranter, Loch Eck and Ardentinny Areas. Photos taken to be part future newspaper article
J.F stated that it was important to secure the future of red squirrels at Castle Toward after recent accepted bid by Season’s Holiday Firm
Contact address sheet distributed to relevant committee members
The meeting concluded with Lewis Pate giving the group an up to date talk on Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels.
It was most informative covering what had taken place between March 2010 – November 2011. Much progress had taken place with regard to monitoring and irradicating grey squirrels and it was hoped that funding would be available to continue the much needed work.
It was however upsetting to learn that Squirrel Pox had now been found at Mauchline
Lewis was thanked and Jan thanked everyone for their attendance.
It was agreed that the next meeting should take place on Thursday 12th January at 6.30p.m. at S.N.H. Office
