A CULLING programme of grey squirrels has started in Gwynedd as the march of the reds goes on.
Twelve years ago the red squirrel faced decimation in its last bastion on Anglesey as numbers dwindled to 40 and the colonies left were inbred.
But action to remove the rival greys and the introduction of new bloodlines has seen numbers surge to 400 and the native reds take over the island.
The past 18 months has seen them venture over the Menai Strait bridges to establish small colonies around Bangor.
Now a squirrel charity has announced plans to support this incursion by removing greys, which have traditionally destroyed red colonies by spreading disease and dominating habitats.
Dr Craig Shuttleworth, from Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels, said: “We're now starting a new program of clearing grey squirrels from Bangor through to Felinheli, up into the Ogwen Valley, and Tregarth, Pentir areas.
“There is a triangle of forest area that is discreet and there are only certain pinch points for access. If we can control these by setting traps then we can create a protected area for reds to flourish.
“When we started out on Anglesey more than 10 years ago I never expected we would be at this stage where they had spread to the mainland.
“But since our first sighting near Bangor back in 2009 we have had numerous sightings from Bangor, Felinheli, and even up to Bethesda. Now is the time to support this.
“While the project is funded on Anglesey we are reliant on landowners and the public in Gwynedd to both report sightings and also assist with removing greys.
“For landowners though the damage that grey squirrels do to trees means that it is normally in their interest to take action.”
The group is also encouraging woodland owners to plant sweet chestnut, hazel nut and walnut trees to help red squirrel on Anglesey and in Gwynedd.
Report a red squirrel sighting on redsquirrels.info website or call 07966150847.
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