Creating a corridor for Red Squirrels
AS part of the Long Forest project, in partnership with the National Trust, RSPB and The Red Squirrel Trust Wales, a large green corridor in the form of hedgerows are being planted across the width of Anglesey to help the population of the precious red squirrels.
As part of a larger three-year plan, work is already under way to create vital links across the south west of the island. One new hedge has been created at Coed Llwynonn where 150 metres of hedgerow has been planted with more than 600 trees by local Long Forest volunteers.
This will connect to a squirrel bridge, which is awaiting planning permission, that will help ensure safe passage over the A4080 to woods at Plas Newydd.
This woodland then links directly on to 400m of existing hedge, which Long Forest volunteers are currently restoring.
Once completed, this will act as a corridor to another woodland in Plas Newydd, which will link to another squirrel bridge back over the A4080 to yet another woodland at Coed Llwynonn.
The aim is to complete the circle next year by planting a further 200m of hedge.
Dr Craig Shuttleworth of Red Squirrels Trust Wales said it was “a fantastic way of helping native wildlife”.
The Long Forest Project has been developed by Keep Wales Tidy in partnership with the Woodland Trust, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. It aims to raise awareness on the importance of hedgerows and their uses, highlight their historical value and survey their condition.
The project is delivering practical action across Wales working with landowners and community groups to help manage, improve and extend hedgerows, through training and volunteering action.
Together, they will be planting 100,000 trees and improving around 120,000m of hedgerow.
The project also plans to develop a hedgerow surveying app to create records which will highlight the current state of the hedgerows across Wales.
Anglesey volunteer Derek Perkins said: “It’s hugely satisfying to be able to make a lasting contribution.”
If you are a volunteer or landowner who would like to get involved with the long Forest Project, visit www. longforest.cymru for more information and how to get involved.