The native Red Squirrel population is under threat from the more aggressive American Grey, which is successfully competing for habitat and food. The Greys debark mature trees, killing the tree. They are also able to digest fruit, buds and flowers whilst they are still "green" & in the unripe state, which the Red Squirrel cannot do. This results in a shortage of ripe and mature food later in the season when the Reds are able to feed. The final and possibly most serious influence the American Grey has over its Red cousin is its immunity to the squirrelpox disease of which it is an immune carrier. Within 15 days of a Red coming into contact with a Grey carrying the virus - the Red will be dead.

in Muirhead, on the outskirts of Dundee (Scotland) in a small woodland enclave, Jimmie & Rosie feed & care for the Reds in their natural habitat.