"People are sometimes surprised to hear that an organisation dedicated to improving the local economy also promotes biodiversity and the natural environment. But we believe that the best way to protect wildlife is to make it an attraction for visitors and rural tourism. Thousands of people come to Anglesey to enjoy the scenery and nature.—The more there is to see, the more people will come – and the more people come, the more we are able to raise the funds to protect the wildlife.'

- Dr Hugh Knott, Menter Môn Environment Team

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Environmental Projects

Menter Môn established an Otter Project in 1996 funded through Objective One, Cwmni Gwastraff Môn-Arfon and the Countryside Council for Wales.

Although Otters are increasing naturally on Anglesey's rivers and wetlands, habitat improvement and creation projects were implemented in order to enhance the island's waterways for this endangered mammal. Several artificial otter holts have also been constructed and also have a progarmme of habitat improvement and creation.

The project is run in partnership with a number of government organisations including Anglesey County Council, the Environment Agency Wales and UK Highways. Local non-governmental and voluntary organisations including the North Wales Wildlife Trust, River Care Group, Keep Wales Tidy, University of Wales Bangor, and the National Trust have also been involved.

The Otter is returning to the rivers and waterways of Anglesey...

Menter Môn have range of environmantal projects including red squirrel, water vole, otter and the creation of local nature reserves LNRs Find out more...

The Water Vole is rapidly disappearing from mainland Wales as a direct result of the spread of North American Mink. Anglesey has a nationally important population of Water Voles found along river banks and within reedbeds. In the late 1990s, Menter Môn established a Water Vole Project which has since delivered a successful programme of habitat improvement and population monitoring. Mink are not yet established upon Anglesey,and it is vital that they are prevented from colonising the island.

The Water Vole Project has conducted intensive monitoring for mink and is well placed to remove any pioneering animals that try to establish on Anglesey.

Menter Môn have also invested heavily in the conservation of the native red squirrel. Anglesey is now one of the most important Welsh populations and, thanks to a ground-breaking program of reintroductions, it is anticipated that the island will soon be recognised across Britain as a refuge for this enchanting woodland mammal. Further details of the project can be found on the Menter Môn website More...

These environmental projects are a long term investment by Menter Môn, and one which will ensure that future generations of local people will enjoy the marvelous habitats and species that Anglesey currently has to offer.

Links:

The Best of Anglesey