Welcome to the twenty-fourth weekly stoat snippet!
These snippets will be a short update on progress with both the Orkney Native Wildlife Project and the Orkney Mainland Predator Invasion Biosecurity Project, as well as addressing any concerns that folk have raised with SNH and RSPB Scotland.
If you are new to these snippets and want to know more about the project, check out this blog.
Orkney Native Wildlife Project
During this week of snow, the team have been continuing to compile the results from the consultation period. Whilst we were all struggling with the icy conditions, it did make for some good field signs spotting. This set of tracks was found by a member of Orkney Field Club, right outside her house, a good example of what to look for if you are unsure. Please do keep reporting signs and sightings if you come across them!
This week the trapping trial is just finishing and a report is being drafted together with an operational plan for the eradication.
As ever we are still keen to hear any comments about the project, or answer any queries. In particular, if you have any further thoughts on the citizen science plans or if you are a teacher in Orkney and want to be consulted about the school sessions, please get in touch by emailing amy.king@snh.gov.uk.
Excitingly, Dani, our graduate placement, has represented the project at the biggest Scottish Parliament reception with Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, showcasing SNH’s commitment to Year of Young People and highlighting the amazing work that the graduate placements are doing all over the country, especially here in Orkney. Check out the event on twitter using @nature_scot #SNHGrads #ConnectingPeopleWithNature
Incursion responses
Hoy: The team have been battling on through the snow to keep up the trapping and monitoring, even though this is proving challenging. Some beautiful shots of the island were picked up on the camera trap this week. Anyone on the island do keep your eyes peeled for any other signs, or sightings of stoats!
Please remember, if anyone thinks they have seen a stoat on Hoy or South Walls please report it immediately by phone or email.
In fact, if you live on any of the islands, and think you have seen a stoat, it is essential that you contact us as soon as you can by calling 01856 886163, by emailing north@snh.gov.uk or through the ‘Stoats in Orkney’ Facebook page.
Answering your concerns…
Remember, if you have any comments or concerns please contact north@snh.gov.uk or orkney@rspb.org.uk.
And, once again, don't forget to keep reporting any sightings of stoats, including those in winter coats, whether on the mainland or outer isles, as soon as possible, to SNH by calling 01856 886163, by emailing north@snh.gov.uk or through the ‘Stoats in Orkney’ Facebook page.
And remember, to keep up-to-date with the project, please follow our Facebook page