A new Newborough resident - Angus the Scottish red squirrel

To our delight we received a new addition to the Newborough forest captive breeding project - A wild born Scottish red squirrel. Nick and Sue Morris hand reared the fragile little creature which they called 'Angus'. He has an amazing story, one that Sue very kindly wrote for us in an article that you can read online.

So here it is, the story of Angus so far...

 

Save Our Squirrels - Anglesey gets the thumbs up!!

‘Maggot' from the Channel 4 Celebrity Big Brother House has lent his support to the Anglesey red squirrel cause. In October, he came to film a new Wildlife series for the BBC which will highlight the work that is going on in Newborough. Pictured opposite with Dr Craig Shuttleworth of the Anglesey Red Squirrel Project, Maggot spent a day searching for red squirrels within the coastal forest. He was lucky enough to see one at a feeding hopper and even released a male red squirrel into the wild as part of the reintroduction programme that is taking place. Later, in November, a second film crew arrived to film red squirrels and ravens within the pine woodland. Both programmes will be broadcast in the spring of 2007.

Newborough consultation autumn 06

In 2004, government agencies put forward plans that would have led to the loss of up to half of Newborough forest. However, as a result of public opposition these plans were shelved and a two year consultation started. As part of this consultation, a survey is being carried out in order to formulate a management plan for the woodland. This can be found online at: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6tde6h and we would urge anyone interested in red squirrel conservation to fill in a survey form and return it to the Countryside Council for Wales. This is your chance to be heard.

Feeding red squirrels August 2006

Last year we included a page on feeding red squirrels and during August 06 we received a very interesting email from Peter Bunde Hansen on the Continent. Peter wrote:

"Please see attached a lactating squirrel mother of four feeding at a squirrel feeder. It has four young about 150m away from the feeder.

Before I started feeding, squirrels had been absent from the area for ten years. Before that, the area had a resident population. The area is a one hectare forest of pinus sylvestris, pooly connected to a somewhat distant 7ha forest. Feeding happens with a mix of oats, sunflower seed kernels (peeled), course coconut flower, and mineral/vitamin powder. We also put up nesting boxes. We are experimenting with watering in summer, but the result of that is still unclear.

I think the lack of success in the UK with feeding reds, is the anglo-american tendency to consider peanuts right food for squirrels. I consider peanuts a kind of squirrel poison, and never feed peanuts." - Peter Bunde Hansen August 2006

On Anglesey we only ever place sunflower seed in red squirrel feeders and never use peanuts. Similarly, our captive animals get a mixture of foods which does not contain peanuts. And over the winter months we are going to follow Peter's suggestion and add Oats to the feed mixtures. The fact that he has breeding red squirrels in such a fragmented landscape containing relatively small habitat patches is also encouraging for us here on Anglesey where the landscape is often similar.

Send in your squirrel pictures!!

This fantastic picture was send to us by Rod Gibbons (Click to enlarge)

Anglesey red squirrels call in the guard! July 06

Red squirrels in Print:

An update on the red squirrel project can be found in the latest issue of 'Natur Cymru The Nature of Wales'. Further information about the natural history journal can be found at www.naturcymru.org.uk

The Friends are proud to announce that the Anglesey red squirrel project has just secured £500K of funding for the next four years. The grant was awarded through the 'Grantscape' environment scheme and was obtained with the support of both European Squirrel initiative and the Countryside Council for Wales. The funding will allow the landmark and ground breaking work being carried out on the island to continue.

A press release is currently being put together and we will bring you this as soon as possible.

Red Squirrels Return!!

During the spring 2006 a total of 21 wild red squirrels were caught in Newborough forest. These included several weaned young and a number of breeding adult females. We set up a camera trap at one of the feeders located near Llyn Parc Mawr car park and were rewarded with some great pictures of two young red squirrels including the animal shown opposite. Local camera man, John Evans, has also captured several hours of footage of wild red squirrels in both Pentraeth and Newborough forests and we hope that some of this might be shown on the BBC spring watch program.

 

Ysgol Llanfair PG kids build a red squirrel nest box for the Pentraeth red squirrels

The children of Llanfair PG primary school built a superb red squirrel nest box for Pentraeth forest. The box was constructed using exterior ply-board and was based on a design used by red squirrels in Newborough forest. Staff from the Anglesey red squirrel Project erected the box in an area of pine where red squirrels are particularly active. Well done everyone!

Grey squirrels: A recipe from disaster

On the 23rd March 2006 members of he House of Lords debated how to safeguard the remaining pockets of red squirrels against the growing tide of introduced grey squirrels. The debate was impressive and the success of the Anglesey project was highlighted by Lord Livsey who said 'This is a brilliant project on the island of Anglesey . I am sure that, because of the determination in carrying it out, this project will eventually be successful. It will show the way.'

Lord Inglewood suggested that if grey squirrel meat was marketed and made much more popular this would not just help alter attitudes towards grey squirrel control, but would also increase levels of control of this woodland pest. Many of the Lords applauded the efforts and success of the European Squirrel Initiative who have recently championed the cause of the red squirrel in Britain and Europe. Lord Peel, in particular, put forward a humerous and yet heart felt appeal for the government to do more in order to save one of our most attractive and popular woodland mammals, squirrel Nutkin.

At last...

We've posted the pics of the juvenile red squirrels that were hand reared in 2005 by Craig & Jane following the death of the adult female at Newborough.

Grey squirrel faces eradication from Anglesey March 06

After several years of intensive grey squirrel control spread across the 720 square kilometres of Anglesey, 2006 is gearing up to be a crucial year in our attempt to eradicate the grey squirrel from the island. In the first three months of 2006, three trappers have removed some 70 adult grey squirrels; a dramatic reduction in numbers compared with the same period even a year ago. With access for the first time to all of the islands woodlands in 2005, the result of our trapping work is at last bearing fruit, and the grey squirrel is getting ever closer to extinction. Naturally, the task of finding the last few grey squirrels will be a difficult one, and as a result, we would ask anyone who has recently seen a grey squirrel on the island to contact us either by e-mail or by using our sightings form. Why not also download and print out our membership form and consider joining the Friends.

Public support grey squirrel control - Results of a recent survey

The European Squirrel Initiative (ESI) have just released the results of independent and scientific public survey undertaken by OMNIBUS into people's views on grey squirrel control and red squirrel conservation in the UK. The survey was conducted annually in the period 2004-2006 and reveals that people clearly accept grey squirrel control and show a desire for red squirrels to return:

Question 1. Are you aware that the grey squirrel is responsible for the decline, to almost extinction, of the native red squirrel?

Jan 2004 Yes 69%

Jan 2005 Yes 69%

Feb 2006 Yes 72%

Question 2. Do you think the population of the alien grey squirrel should be controlled in some way in order to preserve from extinction and restore the red squirrel population?

Jan 2004 Yes 62%

Jan 2005 Yes 68%

Feb 2006 Yes 74%

The Friends Applaud ESI for carrying out this invaluable research and also for their wonderful work raising the profile of the endangered red squirrel throughout the UK.

First litter of red squirrels wean in Newborough forest Feb 06

After a disappointing 2005 when several of our captive pairs of adult red squirrels died from a virus outbreak, 2006 has begun with a real bang. The first litter of young red squirrels were found in a nest box in late February and, to our delight, two of these young were recently seen at a feeder in the forest. The mother of this litter came into oestrus during late November 06 and was pregnant over Christmas and the New Year. This is exceptionally early and was just the type of lucky event that the reintroduction needed.

On 31 st January, Rosie, our captive albino red squirrel, came into oestrus. A wild male red squirrel was observed on top of the enclosure and the captive male was sitting near Rosie. We think that Rosie gave birth in Mid March (gestation is typically 36-42 days), but we are still waiting to get a good view of her in order to determine whether she is indeed lactating. Fingers crossed!

Red squirrel found dead in Pentraeth March 06

On Saturday 18th March a member of the public discovered a dead adult male red squirrel lying next to a forest road in Pentraeth forest. The animal appeared to be rather thin, and was found to weigh only 230g (a healthy animal would be expected to be between 270-310g). A careful examination revealed several external abrasions and cuts. Without a full Post Mortem it is impossible to determine just how the animal died, however we have speculated that it is possible that the animal was caught and killed by a domestic dog as it ventured out into the open. On a brighter note, red squirrels are now being regularly seen at feeders throughout the forest and winter nest box use has risen to 28% for 2005/6 compared with 14-17% in the previous two winters.

Lights, Camera, Action! - Anglesey red squirrels put on a five star performance

BBC Wales will be regularly posting video of the Anglesey red squirrels on their website. Dr Raj Jones, chairperson of our Friends Group has written a brief description of the work and Bethan Wyn Jones, our education officer has provided the information on the Welsh language pages.

The BBC site gives viewers a chance to see at first hand one of the rarest mammals in Wales. There is also an opportunity for you to post a message about the video or about wider issues relating to red squirrel conservation in Wales. Whilst viewing the short film, why not think about becoming a member of the Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels - Local Support, Local Action, Local Success. Enjoy the film

Red Alert - The Snowdonia Mammal Group Jan 06

On Saturday 28th January 2006 the Friends were delighted to host a field visit from members of the Snowdonia Mammal Group. The group have a packed program of species surveying within the Snowdonia National Park but also make time to venture further afield to visit conservation projects in North Wales.

Kate Williamson, Biodiversity Officer for the SNP Authority, organised the trip to Anglesey and members had an opportunity to walk through Pentraeth forest. Dr Craig Shuttleworth led the walk and he explained that grey squirrels had been eradicated from the forest and that the red squirrels had increased in number and distribution as a result. The group saw several red squirrel nest boxes which form part of a long term monitoring study, and they also visited several feeding hoppers which have been erected in the forest. However, the highlight of the trip was the moment when several members of the group spotted an adult red squirrel moving through the woodland canopy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Russion squirrel pack kills dog

We very seldom link to International squirrel stories, but this one caught our eye. This is a rather strange tale reported in a BBC News Story Dec 05 where red squirrels are reported to have chewed a dog to death. Mmmh, we'll let you make up your own mind...

England announces grey squirrel cull 22nd Jan 06

The Media and Press have picked up upon the Westminster Governments announcement of a grey squirrel cull in England. What many people will not know, is that in 1999 The Esme Kirby Snowdonia Trust had tried to establish a 'tail bounty' in an attempt to rid Anglesey of grey squirrels. We recently asked what people thought of this, and in light of the 2006 DEFRA grant aided cull, we received a very interesting reply from Andrew Cormie, who supports the bounty idea and questions the long-term success of the current English proposals. On Anglesey we have been involved in the eradication of grey squirrels since 1998, and it is our belief that any scheme which sets a target falling short of eradication will ultimately fail. We would be keen to hear what you think...

New homes for New red squirrel - Parys Training lend a hand Jan 2006

Parys Training, a youth employment project run by Anglesey County Council, have joined the local efforts to safeguard the islands red squirrel colony. The youth team have constructed over 25 red squirrel nest boxes which will be put out in woodlands across Anglesey. The Friends were delighted with the design and craftsmenship of the boxes and would like to thank everyone involved for their efforts.

Stop Press!

Just before Christmas we received the very welcomed news that a red squirrel which was found dead in Pentraeth forest did not have the 'squirrelpox' virus. The pox disease is carried by grey squirrels which then infect red squirrels.

Anglesey school children win Ward cup Dec 2005

Reymond Reynolds and his team of primary school children from Cemaes have won the British Naturalists Association Ward Cup for their work on the Anglesey Red Squirrels. The award ceremony was held in Northampton and David Bellamy presented prizes. The Friends would like to congratulate all the children for their splendid and dedicated work. Read more about the red squirrel winners...

 

Call for grey squirrel cull in Wales Dec 6th 2005

Experts call for grey squirrel cull in order to save the last remaining red squirrels in Wales. Find out more about the call for action on grey squirrels... or dowload PDF file.

Plea to keep red squirrels safe in Wales Nov 21 2005

Daily Post Newspaper Article

FOREST bosses across Wales were last night urged to do more to protect under-threat red squirrels. Experts are fighting to save the reds in three areas, including Anglesey, from alien grey squirrels. And yesterday they demanded better management of forests where they are making a slow comeback. Welsh red squirrel numbers dwindled to under 1,000. Anglesey apart, they are just about hanging on in two Clocaenog and Tywi forests.

Craig Shuttleworth, from the Anglesey Red Squirrel project, called for more urgent action by government agencies. He was speaking at a European Squirrel Initiative (ESI) conference for conservation-ists, foresters and landowners. He said: "The red squirrel population on Anglesey is steadily increasing and the work we are doing shows reds can re-establish themselves once the grey squirrel has been removed." So far 6,000 greys have been "culled" on the island. He added: "Although the threat from the grey squirrel is being tackled on the island it is imperative government agencies start to manage the forests where the red squirrels are found in a manner much more sympathetic to the needs of the species." Delegates were told effective control of the grey squirrel was the only way forward. Speakers challenged the government to commit resources to developing an effective way of removing greys from Wales. ESI chairman Miles Barne said: "It is vital that we secure the future of the Welsh red squirrel." See further press coverage on Welsh and Anglesey red squirrels...

Suspicious Death in Pentraeth

On Saturday 5th November a member of the public found a dead adult male red squirrel lying on a forest road within the Pentreath plantation. The animal was in very poor condition and had a heavy ecto-parasite infestation. It also had a large scab on the side of the mouth which appeared to be the result of a wound, but which could also be a lesion. Although the animal did not show the classic advanced symptoms characteristic of para-pox / squirrel-pox virus, there remained the possibility that it was infected but showed atypical symptoms.

A blood sample was sent for analysis to determine whether the animal has been exposed to the pox virus and has developed antibodies. The test result was negative. However, in the meantime, we emptied and cleaned all the feeding hoppers in order to minimise any potential risk of disease transfer at these point food sources. Find out further information...

Pictures of a red squirrel found with the disease at Center Parcs, Penrith: Image 1 | Image 2 | Image3 All Images copyright Jerry Moss.

Welsh Environment Minister Visits Pentraeth

During the summer months we had an opportunity to meet with Carwyn Jones, the Welsh Assembly Government Environment Minister. He visited Mynydd Llwydiarth forest and heard first hand about the work of the Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels and the support that we have had from Forestry Commission Wales. Future habitat management of the coniferous plantation was discussed, and the Forestry Commission reaffirmed both their support for red squirrels on Anglesey, and their willingness to work in partnership with the local community to help safeguard this endangered mammal. Forestry Commission Wales now have two pages dedicated to the Anglesey Red Squirrel Project and anyone interested in walking through this woodland can now download the Pentraeth Circular Walk Leaflet (PDF).

Locals fight to save red squirrels in Great Clifton, Cumbria

Local people have been fighting to safeguard a small sub-urban population of red squirrels within the village of Great Clifton, Cumbria. Having fought to prevent a development at Great Clifton Hall, they found that the owner had illegally cut several large trees which were regularly used by red squirrels and following this blow, they have more recently been fighting to maintain a green field site within which it has been proposed to build 52 houses. The site is surrounded by a narrow woodland area and several gardens within which red squirrels are regularly seen. The Friends believe that every red squirrel is precious, not just those that are found within government refuge areas!

Sefton Coast Red Squirrel Refuge and Buffer Zone announced

The England Red Squirrel Group have announced that the Sefton coast woodlands, Lancashire, are to be designated as a red squirrel reserve. The strategy is aimed at creating a network of national refuges.

Much of the woodland on the Sefton coast is within a SAC (Special Area of Conservation) because the sand dune habitat. The designation of the area as a Red Squirrel Reserve may have important implications for our efforts on Anglesey to have Newborough forest designated and managed for red squirrels. This Anglesey woodland is also within an SAC and proposals to clear-fell a large area of the site created a storm of controversy in 2004. The Friends are now involved in a community wide consultation to decide the future management of the site. We will continue to campaign for the government agencies to recognise the importance of Newborough as a red squirrel refuge.

Formby becomes a national red squirrel reserve - download the BBC news report (PDF)

Formby becomes a national red squirrel reserve - download the Coastlines article September 2005 (PDF)