What is the Magical Mammals Project?
The project is a partnership between Clocaenog Red Squirrels Trust, Red Squirrels Trust Wales, and Natural Resources Wales. The project has been awarded a development funding grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm Fund.
The project focuses on two endangered species: red squirrels in Clocaenog Forest and on Anglesey and pine martens in Gwynedd.
The project however is not just about these animals and the ecosystems they are part of, it is also about people, their involvement in conservation and their mental and physical well-being.
What are our aims?
- To boost the numbers and genetic diversity of red squirrels in Clocaenog Forest by releasing animals that have been bred in captivity at places like Welsh Mountain Zoo and Yorkshire Aboretum.
- To encourage people’s interest in nature and in spending more time outside thereby improving well-being
- To help our local schools learn about local wildlife and habitats
What have we done so far?
We’ve appointed a Red Squirel Ranger, Caro Collingwood, who works part time on the project. Our ranger has been able to recruit more volunteers and supporters, and also engage with the local community.
Some of our Activities
Walk and Talk in the Forest
Exploring core red squirrel habitat, checking trail cameras and learning about red squirrel habitat and ecology. Six walks so far in 2024, some open to anyone and others with specific groups including: Cymru Ramblers, Outside Lives Matter, Ruthin U3A and Mind Walking Group.
School Visits
Caro and CRST volunteers have visited local schools to talk about red squirrels.Ysgol Rhos Street, Pant Pastynog, Borthyn School, Ysgol Carrog have had visits.
Pupils from some schools have also enjoyed forest visits including Ysgol Caer Drewyn, Ysgol Rhos Street, Ysgol Carrog, Ysgol Bryn Clwyd, Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy.
Other Talks
Denbigh Dementia Group, Corwen Women’s Institute and Wrexham University Wildlife Course Students
Village Shows and Events
We’ve had stalls at several country shows and events this year to spread the word. People of all ages were keen to find out more about our work and several shared sightings of red squirrels. Shows included: Derwen Show, Sioe Cyffylliog & Bontuchel Show, Sioe Betws Gwerfil Goch, Nature Day Nant Clywd y Dre
Enclosure and nest box building
We’ve had several days moving and rebuilding enclosures for the arrival of new squirrels. We’ve also built lots of new nest boxes for these. It’s been great to see so many new volunteers getting involved in some of these practical activities.
We’d like to thank the local NRW staff for transporting the enclosure panels from old sites to new ones and for loaning us the use of their facilities for building nest boxes.
Woodland Skills Centre
We’ve been working with the wonderful Woodland Skills Centre, Bodfari. Through their community support programme, one of their adult groups have made new feeder boxes and repaired all our old ones. We’re very grateful for their support.
Feedback from CRST Events
Forest Walk and Talk
A doctor once told me that movement is better than any pill they could prescribe. I know that I feel better for moving and being outdoors. Even more so when you pay attention to nature surrounding you and feel part of it.
Forest Walk and Talk
I knew about the tricky issues facing red squirrels but it was great to learn about their habitat, the efforts being made to increase the population in the wild and other information about the forest in general. I really enjoyed being in the forest and it was nice to share the experience. Caro was knowledgeable about conservation work and partnerships with those in control of forest management. All in all a positive experience.
Borthyn school visit
Thank you so much for the great workshop last Thursday. The Year 5&6’s really enjoyed learning all about the Red Squirrels – the session was very informative and well delivered.
Forest Walk and Talk
What’s not to enjoy? Out in the fresh air, met new people and our ranger Caro was lovely, informative, knowledgeable and friendly. I learnt about how to tell a red from grey squirrel using their tails and also why red squirrels are outnumbered by the grey. Weirdly we also learnt about mushrooms as an added bonus. All together a lovely experience and the fact that it was free was amazing and very welcome given the price hikes on everyday living. Thank you
Forest Walk and Talk
Thank you so very much for the talk/walk today. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
We would love to volunteer. Just signing up with membership and will be happy to spread the word. Would absolutely love it
if you were able to get Ysgol Pen Barras on board to come and see the site or at least go in the school for a talk.
My son is in Year 6. We will bring him whenever you have your next talk on a weekend or after school. I know he would love to help with the volunteering!
Want to get involved?
If you’d like to get involved in our project – as an individual or as part of a group – please get in touch via our contact form.