Welcome to the website for red squirrel conservation in Gwynedd and on Anglesey in North Wales
In 1997 the red squirrel population on Anglesey was close to extinction and fewer than 40 adults remained. Fourteen years later and the population has increased to over 400 with red squirrels now a common sight in coniferous woodland, broadleaved stands, parks and gardens. In 2008 they crossed the Menai Straits and colonised Several Gwynedd woodlands.
Anglesey now contains the largest single population of red squirrels in Wales. A dynamic partnership between landowners, community groups and local volunteers is working to improve woodland habitats, erect nest boxes, provide supplemental feeding and monitor populations. In 2012 red squirrels will be reintroduced to the Llangefni Dingle and we will begin a new chapter - an extensive cull of grey squirrels in Gwynedd that we hope will see red squirrels return to Bangor and the surrounding district.
GREY SQUIRREL CULL IN GWYNEDD
The Trust has announced a new grey squirrel cull in Gwynedd Daily P0st Story - BBC News Website to expand the numbers of red squirrels on the mainland.
Grey squirrels will be removed from woodlands in Bangor, the Ogwen valley and Pentir Download PDF Map
PLEASE REPORT DEAD RED SQUIRRELS
Red squirrels are increasingly being killed on Anglesey roads as the animals increase in number and distribution. We are urgently monitoring the situation and have funding to erect two rope bridges in 2012. It is really important that we are able to demonstrate a need for these and that we place them in the best locations to reduce traffic related mortality of red squirrels.
In addition to recording deaths, we work in partnership with AHVLA Vets in Penrith and Mr David Everest of AHVLA Weybridge to detect pathological infections and screen for viral particles in tissue samples. This work is invaluable as it provides a means of monitoring for disease outbreaks in the red squirrel population.
If anyone sees a dead red squirrel could you either ring 07966150847 (24hrs) or email the project staff/volunteers at the website (see our contact details below).
If bodies can be picked up (using a plastic bag or gloves), we are happy to come and collect from any local address. We will subsequently let people who have collected animals know the results of Post Mortems.
- Patron
- Members
- View Squirrels
- Newsletters
- Contact us
A Message of Support from Iolo Williams - TV Presenter, Wildlife Expert and our Patron
"I remember red squirrels being common around my home in the village of Llanwddyn in north Montgomeryshire but when I return these days, I see nothing but greys. I have followed the success of the Anglesey red squirrel project with great interest because it is so heartening to see the reds striking back. Thanks to the dedication of a few individuals, our native squirrel can once more be seen in several Anglesey woodlands and eventually, I would love to see greys eradicated from the whole of Britain. This is unlikely to happen in my lifetime but with the work on Anglesey going from strength to strength, at least there is some hope for future generations."
Help Support The Work Of The Friends
The Friends are a vital interface between the local community and countryside agencies involved in red squirrel conservation. We raise the profile of the Anglesey red squirrels, publicise the work that is being done to protect them, and identify factors that threaten their survival.
Current membership subscription rates are £10 per person.
Click here for a printable application form making a Cheque payable to:
'The Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels Trust' .
Send your cheque, with your name and address, to:
The Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels
Plas Newydd
LlanfairPG
Anglesey
LL61 6DQ
Where can you see red squirrels?
1. Llyn Parc Mar Car Parc Newborough Forest (SH413671)
Directions - From the A55, follow the A4080 to Newborough village, continue through the village in the direction of Malltraeth. Once the forest is on either side of the roads there is a signposted car park on the right (Wildlife Pool). There are three red squirrel feeders in the car park area. The woodland is owned by the Welsh Government and access is free here.
Red squirrels were reintroduced to the extensive pine forest in 2004-2007.
2. Plas Newydd (National Trust Property) (SH520700)
Directions - From the A55, follow the A4080 for 3km and the property is on the left and is well signposted.
Red squirrels were introduced to the park and gardens in 2008 and are quite widespread if a little elusive. The gardens to the west of the house are the best location to see red squirrels and there are several feeders.
For details of admission price and opening times visit the National Trust Website.
Current membership subscription rates are £10 per person.
3. Treborth Botanical Gardens (SH550712)
Directions - From the A5 in Gwynedd, take the left turn immediatly before the Menai Suspension Bridge. Follow the narrow road past the small industrial units and to the Treborth lodge. The road then passes through broadleaved woodland and there are several car parking bays (free).
Newsletters
In the period 2003-2007 we produced three bilingual Welsh/English newsletters per annum. From 2012 the newsletter will once again be in both languages and will be available to download.
Autumn 2011 - Download Newsletter
Summer 2011 - Download Newsletter
Spring 2011 - Download Newsletter
Autumn 2010 - Download Newsletter
Contact Information
General Enquiries & Voluntering- Mail@redsquirrels.info
Education & Public Events - Branwen@redsquirrels.info
Membership Enquiries - Mail@redsqirrels.info
Report grey squirrel sightings - Craig@redsquirrels.info (07966150847)
In the event that a sick or dead red squirrel is found please contact us immediatly (07966150847). If a body can be collected, please use gloves and place the remains in a plastic bag. We will collect and pass to our veterinary pathologists for post mortem and viral screening.
Our postal address is:
The Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels Trust
Plas Newydd
LlanfairPG
Anglesey
LL61 6DQ
Latest News
Dec 2011 - Red squirrel road casualties continue to rise. The hotspots are A4080 Newborough forest, A4080 Plas Newydd, A545 Menai Bridge to Beaumaris, B5109 Beaumaris, A5025 Plas Gwyn/Pentraeth and A5025 Llanallgo/Lligwy.
Anyone finding a dead red squirrel should report it to the project immediatly on 07966150847 (24hrs).
Dec 2011 - Nine red squirrels were trapped in the Cae Glas coniferous plantations within the Penrhos Coastal Park near Holyhead.
Nov 2011 - We have successfully applied for over a thousand Beech, Hazel, Sweetchestnut, Cherry and Hawthorn trees as part of the Woodland Trust Jubilee Celebrations. These will be planted at our Clyddyn Community Woodland in the Pentraeth forest.
Information Pages
News Archive
The Project Team
Project Sponsors
Photo Gallery
Red Squirrel Conservation
Feeding Red Squirrels
Woodland Management
Grey Squirrel Control
Genetic Research
Disease Monitoring
Latest Events
Dec 2011 - Gwynedd Trap Loan Scheme is underway and 22 traps have been provided to homeowners and estates to control grey squirrels.
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