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Greens Seek to Expand Scotland's Iconic Red Squirrel Population
16 Nov
Summary
- Greens propose amendments to new bill to protect red squirrels
- Red squirrel numbers have plunged in recent decades
- Bill aims to set legally binding targets for nature restoration
As of November 16th, 2025, the Scottish Greens are seeking to amend a new environmental bill to better protect the country's iconic red squirrel population. The party's co-leader, Ross Greer, is proposing changes to the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill that would establish a timeline for expanding the red squirrel's numbers.
The bill, which has already passed its first vote in the Scottish Parliament, aims to tackle issues like species decline and set legally binding targets for nature restoration. However, Greer argues that more needs to be done specifically to aid the red squirrel, which he describes as "one of Scotland's most iconic native species."
The Green MSP says red squirrel numbers have "plunged in the last few decades" due to competition from the invasive grey squirrel. He wants the legislation to include concrete measures to "reverse this and get their population back to where it needs to be."
Alongside the Greens' proposals, over 300 other amendments have been put forward by lawmakers from various parties. The bill is currently being debated in the Rural Affairs Committee, with the goal of driving action to address Scotland's nature and climate crises.
