New arrivals boost red squirrel conservation drive in forest

THE arrival of two female red squirrels have boosted conservation efforts in Clocaenog Forest.

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The forest has welcomed a female named Maple, from Wildwood Devon, and another female from Wildwood Kent in the past few weeks.

Red squirrels are one of our most charismatic species, but these beautiful creatures have long been in trouble.

They've been steadily decreasing for decades, with the increasing presence of grey squirrels threatening their existence. However, a determined effort is under way to change that in north Wales.

The Magical Mammals project, a collaborative conservation initiative, is working to restore the balance of nature by boosting the red squirrel population, as well as the numbers of another rare native species the pine marten.

The latest translocation process follows a careful acclimatisation protocol to ensure the squirrels' wellbeing and successful integration.