Endangered red squirrels to be sent to north Wales to help boost growing colony

Credit: PA Images

Conservationists are transporting red squirrels to north Wales to help boost blood lines and help the population thrive.

It follows the success of a project to rid Anglesey of non-native grey squirrels, increasing its red squirrel population from around 40 in 1998 to more than 700 today.

There are now so many reds on the island that some are crossing the bridges to the mainland, and conservationists are encouraging populations at Ogwen Valley, five miles from Bangor.

The site was selected as mountains help shield it from grey squirrels, which carry a disease that is deadly to reds Credit: PA

Conservationist Dr Craig Shuttleworth said the mainland colony was initially comprised of squirrels that crossed one of two bridges over the Menai Strait, a narrow stretch of tidal water that separates Anglesey from mainland Wales.

Since the growth in population, red squirrels on Anglesey have been crossing bridges to the mainland Credit: PA

Explaining the decision to support red squirrel populations at Ogwen Valley, he said the approach was like that of a "tactical military strategist" and added mountains around the site helped protect it.

"It's easier to defend an area if there are geographical pinch points," he said.

Ten squirrels bred by the East Anglian Red Squirrel Group in Norfolk are among those destined for Wales in special squirrel boxes.

Chrissie Kelley, head of species management at Pensthorpe Conservation Trust in north Norfolk, is overseeing the resettlement.

"Our colleagues in Wales know we breed good squirrels and ours will be joined by breeding stock from other places around the country to ensure the widest genetic mix as possible," she said.

The trust has previously sent squirrels to Anglesey, including several from prolific wonder-mum Tortoiseshell - who gave birth to 50 red squirrel kittens during her nine-year lifetime, before her death earlier this year.

Five of her great-grand-kittens, including a pair called Fire and Flame, will be among those travelling to the Ogwen Valley.

Native red squirrels have been almost wiped out by rival grey squirrels which arrived from America in the 19th century, save for a few strongholds in Scotland and the border counties.

Tree felling has also led to a decline in populations.

Grey squirrels now outnumber reds by 20 to one and some conservationists fear the species could be wiped out in a generation.