| Newborough forest is one of the most important red squirrel conservation sites in the UK. It appears increasingly likely that there are now only 500 red squirrels in Wales and numbers are continuing to decline. The government are currently carrying out a public consultation that will shape the future management of the Newbotough woodland. We believe that the red squirrel must be given a high priority.
Red squirrels were still to be found in Newborough forest during the early 1990s. Unfortunately, the population gradually declined as grey squirrel numbers increased, and by 1996 the red squirrel was extinct at this site. Following the removal of several hundred grey squirrels, red squirrels were re-introduced in 2004 and have successfully bred since then.
The forest is a good squirrel habitat but would certainly benefit from management that would increase the diversity of tree species and enhance levels of seed production. Luckily, what is good for red squirrel is good for a wide variety of woodland species. However, originally the Countryside Council for Wales had wanted to remove huge tracts of woodland in order to recreate the open sand dune habitat that existed prior to the forest being established. What is good for sand dune species is obviously a disaster for red squirrels. The solution is to try and find a balance that accommodates both conservation objectives, and the key is to view this in a national context. To put it simply, red squirrels are at the point of extinction in Wales, both in terms of numbers and in geographical distribution, the species decline since 1900 has been catastrophic. In addition, the current prognosis for the survival of mainland populations is gloomy. Contrast this against sand dune habitat which in the medium to long term can be sustained in area and which can be managed relatively easily.
1. Visit the Newborough Consultation pages and e-mail your views and support for red squirrels.
2. Let CCW know your views by attending public meetings, illustrated talks and the various drop in sessions that will be advertised in the local press.
3. You can also register your support for local red squirrel conservation by writing to your local MP, Welsh Assembly Member, Anglesey County Council and even the Chief Executive of the Countryside Council for Wales.
The First Minister of the Welsh Assembly has given a strong commitment to safeguard red squirrel habitat More...
And we must ensure that this policy is enforced.
Why not also take some time to give your opinions in our online Newborough red squirrel survey:
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Newborough forest is the largest single area of woodland (750 hectares) on Anglesey. It is one of the most popular recreational sites on the island and contains red squirrels and a rich array of other forest life.
However, the Countryside Council for Wales and Forestry Commission had put forward plans that could have led to the eventual loss of anything up to 50% of the forest. Why? Well, they wished to restore a large area back to an open sand dune habitat with mobile dunes and limited tree cover. Their initial consultation process led to a local backlash against the plans More....
The clear-felling plans would have devastated much of the area, and they would have been a serious blow to local red squirrel conservation work (Read our old Press Release). However, CCW have torn-up their original plans, and wish to involve the public more fully in the consultation process. Much debate and planning remains to be done during the forthcoming two year consultation. So, why not lend us your support and help us work with CCW and the Forestry Commission to shape the woodland for the benefit of future generations.
For further information visit the Newborough Forest Preservation Group site to find out how many local residents are working to get the forest managed for the local community. You can also visit the Forestry Commission web-pages and get your views across directly to the government
Newborough Consultation
To see the results of our online survey from 2004:
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