Anglesey is an example of a project that has been able to successfully conserve its red squirrel population due to strong local community and landowner support.

In 1998 the red squirrels of Anglesey faced extinction. There was only an isolated population of 40 red squirrels immersed amongst some 3,000 adult grey squirrels. The future looked bleak. Today there are 300 red squirrels on the island, and the species has returned, not only to the coniferous habitats, but to the full spectrum of broadleaved woodlands within which it would historically have been found prior to the grey squirrel invasion.

The recipe for this success was a simple and practical one: the systematic removal of grey squirrels from the landscape. With the greys gone, the remnant wild red squirrel population expanded in size and re-colonised territory once occupied solely by the grey.

Moreover, scientists have successfully reintroduced red squirrels into large isolated woodlands that have been cleared of grey squirrels. This pioneering work has created nationally important red squirrel populations in the Newborough pine forest and within coastal oak stands.

The red squirrel is becoming an increasing feature of Anglesey’s landscape.

Click here to visit the Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels website.