| This is the lastest press release from the Friends
NEWBOROUGH RED SQUIRRELS 'WHITE' ON TRACK FOR RECOVERY
18th March 2005
Newborough forest is home to one of the last colonies of the native red squirrel in Wales and recently it had an unusual addition – an albino female squirrel called ‘Rosie'. The animal was obtained through the UK captive breeding programme and was released into the forest during the late autumn. Newborough now contains around twenty wild red squirrels that have been released, and it is hoped that many of these animals will breed this year and that the colony will grow and flourish.
The return of the red squirrels has been a major conservation success for a native species that is almost extinct in the wild elsewhere in Wales . To their delight, several local people have seen red squirrels in Newborough forest. Animals have recently been seen foraging in woodland along side the road leading through the forest to the beach car park, and also near the Parc Mawr car park.
Dr Craig Shuttleworth of the Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels said, ‘The Newborough project has provided a new home for many captive red squirrels including several Cumbrian animals that were rescued after the woodlands they lived in were cut down.' He went on, ‘Albino animals are quite a rarity in the wild, and we were overjoyed when we heard that one needed a new home.'
Mr Martin Bailey, a local wildlife expert, added, ‘Newborough forest is a fantastic wildlife haven and the red squirrel population is of local and national significance. Red squirrels are one of the most delightful and attractive woodland animals and form an important part of the forest ecosystem.'
Anglesey is already home to the second largest colony of wild red squirrel in Wales , with the population in Pentraeth forest. The conservation of red squirrels throughout the island is supported by the Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels, a local community group. Anyone interested in getting involved in red squirrel conservation can contact the Friends on 01248 725700.
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For further information or for digital images please contact Dr Craig Shuttleworth on 07966 150847
Editors Notes:
The Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels are an independent group working to conserve the red squirrel on Anglesey and across Wales .
The organisation has over 300 members and has an active community education program with school children across the island. 
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FIRST WELSH RED SQUIRREL CONFERENCE
14th September 2004
Experts from throughout Wales will meet on Saturday 18th September to discuss how to safeguard the last remaining populations of native red squirrels.
The Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels, a local conservation group, supported by our patron Lady Anglesey, have organised a one-day conference to be held in the spectacular coastal town of Beaumaris, Anglesey, at the Canolfan on Saturday the 18th September, from 9.30am -5.00pm. The talks are aimed at a wide audience. Families and children are most welcome to attend. Tickets cost £10 and an optional buffet lunch at a small extra cost will be provided. Prior booking is essential.
The event will be opened by Howie Watkins of BBC/N&PCC and include a series of illustrated presentations on squirrel biology and conservation. A wide range of topics will be covered, such as; genetics, grey squirrel management, practical red squirrel conservation programmes, captive breeding and habitat management. This event will be a vital opportunity for conservationists, landowners, politicians, educationalists and members of the public to come together to discuss strategies for the maintenance of red squirrels in Wales.
Sadly, it is likely that only 500 adult red squirrels can be found in the wild throughout Wales. Populations have declined dramatically as a result of the spread of the North American grey squirrel, a species introduced to the UK. Unless decisive action is taken, the native red squirrels in Wales may be extinct within ten years.
Dr Craig Shuttleworth, the woodland ecologist at Menter Môn, said 'The red squirrel is one of the most endangered woodland mammals in Wales. It is reassuring that so much work is currently being carried out to try and save the species but we must continue to be vigilant especially in areas such as Anglesey where island habitat lends itself to greater protection.'
Dr Raj Jones, co-founder of the Friends said 'We are delighted to host the first conference of this type in Wales' she added 'It will be an opportunity for professionals to share information and to work creatively with local groups towards the conservation of Red Squirrels in Wales and in other parts of Britain and Europe.
Anyone interested in attending the event should contact Rebecca Gwynne at Menter Mon by e-mail Rebecca@mentermon.com or telephone 01248 752700.
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Issued by The Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels on 14th August 2004. For more information, please contact Rebecca Gwynne on 01248 725700.
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