Clwyd West MS and Red Squirrel Species Champion in the Senedd, Darren Millar, visited Clocaenog Forest this week to check on red squirrels which were released into the forest a week ago. 

The squirrels were born earlier this year in Colwyn Bay as part of a nationally important breeding programme at the Welsh Mountain Zoo.

On December 12th the enclosures were opened to release the squirrels and on Tuesday Darren visited the forest to check the squirrel surveillance cameras and monitor the enclosures.

The hatches remain open on the enclosures for two weeks after they are opened to allow the red squirrels to return and continue to make use of the nest boxes and food in the enclosure as they get used to the natural environment.

Darren said: 

“There were once around 3.5 million Red Squirrels in the UK, a figure which has fallen significantly to an all-time low of around 120,000. Various factors have contributed to the decline in numbers with the introduction of the Grey Squirrel having had the greatest impact, spreading disease, exhausting available resources and quickly reproducing.

“Since the early 1970’s the Welsh Mountain Zoo, in response to the needs of wildlife conservation, has been reassessing the nature of its animal collection.

“This has enabled the Zoo to join some of the developing inter-Zoo co-operative breeding programmes that cover a wide range of species, including the red squirrel, and in September I visited the zoo to see the red squirrels and discuss the breeding programme and their release into Clocaenog Forest.  

“In the late 1990s, the Clocaenog forest appeared to be the home of what was the largest population of red squirrels in the country. But by 2011, it became quite clear that the numbers had declined significantly.

“As Species Champion for the Red Squirrel in the Senedd, I therefore welcome all efforts to boost numbers at the forest and thank the Welsh Mountain Zoo for the instrumental role they have played in this, as well the Clocaenog Red Squirrels Trust. The Red Squirrel is one of our most loved native animals, and I will continue doing all I can to protect this threatened species.”

ENDS 

Photo caption: Clwyd West MS and Red Squirrel Species Champion in the Senedd, Darren Millar MS, with Caro Collingwood – Red Squirrel Ranger, Clocaenog, and Chris Mitchell – CEO of the Welsh Mountain Zoo