SQUIRREL OF THE SKY

The red helicopter flying back and forth in mountains year after year

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE

The Ecureuil helicopter collects sacks of stone from a temporary compound in the Cader Idris foothills

(PICTURE BY: LLEWELYN DYLAS PHOTOGRAPHY)

A DIMINUTIVE red “Squirrel” has been scampering around a massive stockpile at the foot of a 863-metre peak in south Eryri.

This one has three blades and instead of nuts has been harvesting stones.

Over the past week an Ecureuil (French for “Squirrel”) helicopter in trademark red livery has been buzzing the Cader Idris foothills as it ferries sacks of stone to Mynydd Moel. They're being dropped on the mountain as part of a complex restoration scheme that's being going on for six years.

Mynydd Moel is a satellite peak to Cader Idris and is often climbed as a horseshoe that offers glacial lakes, impressive waterfalls and dramatic views.