Some good news for red squirrels. According to a report from the Scottish Wildlife Trust's 'Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels' project, one of our favourite British mammals is beginning to return to areas of Scotland where they have not been seen for years. This is largely at the expense of the non-native grey squirrel whose numbers are being controlled to encourage reds to increase and expand their range as well as taking measures to prevent the spread of squirrelpox virus. Killing one species to safeguard another may not necessarily be palatable to everyone and is a contentious aspect of nature conservation. And it's not the greys fault of course having been introduced by us but I must admit that I'd rather have reds in my local wood given the choice. They're just so much more attractive than their American cousins!

To donate or get involved visit the project web site.

I have to admit that I still get a real buzz from seeing one of my images on a front cover so I'm unashamedly sharing this with you! On a personal level, BBC Wildlife has always been one of the most prestigious magazines to have work published in and so this month's (Feb) cover shot is especially pleasing. We all need our ego stroked now and again!