Red squirrel conservation and grey squirrel management

The Friends group was set up in 1999 by Anglesey residents who wished to assist in the conservation of the islands small red squirrel population.

Two years earlier, Menter Môn and the Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust started a programme of grey squirrel control in order to try and safeguard the remnant red squirrel population. The Friends wished to galvanise local community support for this campaign and also to raise the profile of the red squirrel's plight. We aim to raise local awareness of red squirrel conservation, and to encourage people to actively support campaigns on issues relating to red squirrels. Over the last five years, the Friends have:

Funded research into red squirrel genetics
Sponsered a pair of red squirrels for use in the Anglesey reintroduction project
Raised funds to provide nest boxes & winter food
Encouraged grey squirrel control in gardens and local woodland
Organised guided walks, slide show presentations and other public events

Red squirrel genetics

Research we funded has shown that thePentraeth red squirrel population has lost a significant amount of genetic variability. The remnant population contains individuals that are all closley related and this may lead to future problems caused by inbreeding.

Recently we have funded additional genetic research examining squirrel populations elsewhere in Wales. It is hoped that several red squirrels from other parts of Wales can be introduced into the Pentraeth forest to improve the long-term genetic health of this particular island population.

In 2002/3 it was possible to almost completely eradicate grey squirrels from Newborough forest, a large coniferous plantation on the island. The successful reintroduction of red squirrels into this site has formed a key part of the long term conservation strategy for red squirrels on Anglesey.

The Friends sponsored one pair of red squirrels which were housed in a spacious enclosure located within the forest.

A total of five large enclosures had been constructed within the commercial conifer plantation. Animals released from these cages bred successfully, and in the autumn of 2008 there were 150 adults and young red squirrels in Newborough( back to top of page )

In 2003 the Friends launched the ongoing 'Nests &Nuts' appeal in order to raise funds to construct wooden squirrel nest boxes and purchase supplemental foods for the squirrels. The first feed hoppres were erected in Pentraeth forest in the autumn of 2004.

During February 2001, over eighty wooden nest boxes had been erected within woodlands containing red squirrels. These were frequently used by red squirrels and litters of young squirrels were occasionally found inside them. Additional boxes have been used to assist red squirrels as they recolonise woodlands on the island. ( back to top of page )

The control of grey squirrels forms the backbone of our local red squirrel conservation strategy. We encourage local people to report sightings of grey squirrels and to allow the removal of any animals that regularly visit their gardens or woodlands.

The control of grey squirrels is a hard decision to be taken, but it is vital if red squirrels are to persist

Grey squirrel control is advocated by the Friends as a means of conserving local red squirrel populations.

To date, approx. 8,000 grey squirrels have been removed from the island of Anglesey. Grey squirrel numbers are now at a very low level and this has allowed the red squirrel population to increase from less than 40 animals in spring 1998 to around 300 in the autumn of 2008. Red squirrels have now recolonised many broadleaved woodlands surrounding the Mynydd Llwydiarth conifer plantation and in the south of the island. This local conservation success is of national importance, and the island now contains the largest red squirrel population in Wales.

Getting the community involved

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. This is done through:

Regular TV & radio interviews.
Stories run in the local and national press.
The distribution of red squirrel leaflets and information packs to schools and libraries.
Organised events during the National Red Squirrel Week including guided walks, illustrated talks & school competitions.
Evening slide shows to local interest groups on Anglesey and in Gwynedd.
Displays at the Anglesey Agricultural Show, Plas Newydd Summer Fair & the Treborth Botanical Garden open day.
Providing advice to local householders on how to attract red squirrels into their gardens.
Encouraging the local community to comment upon woodland management plans.
Organising seminars and conferences on squirrel conservation and management. These include the 'Anglesey: A Haven for Mammals' conference, the First Wales Red Squirrel Conference and the 'Red Squirrel Question Time' event.
The lobbying of politicians and government agencies.