red squirrel?

[steve rollnick]

Can anyone help us?

We saw this small possibly young squirrel in our wood this weekend, and it had a sort of dull red on its underside. Is this a red squirrel?

Thanks,

Steve

[Darren]

probably not? Greys colour seem to vary. I've seen a black one in my woods. Where abouts do you live?

[Rod Taylor]

Agree with Darren, Grey squirrels in the USA seem to have quite a bit of red colouring although not seen any sign of it in our greys. Perhaps you have a recent imigrant or a throw back to what I assume is their more natural colouring.

[steve rollnick]

Rod, Darren,

thanks a lot. Our wood is in Mid Wales, just outside Llandovery, 20 miles West of Brecon......

Steve

[andy w]

Hi Steve,

From my recent experience of working in forestry in Wales I understand that there is a reasonably healthy, although limited in distribution, population of reds in mid-Wales. These are mainly in places like Tywi, Irfon and Crychan Forests I think, which are not too far from you.

Although I agree with Rod in that greys colour does seem to vary more than the reds perhaps, because of where you are it could be a red. If you want to dig further I would suggest contacting the 'experts' on reds in Wales.

See - www.snh.org.uk/ukredsquirrelgroup/WalesForum

www.redsquirrels.info

http://www.wwbic.org.uk/redsquirrelproject

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/Redsquirrel

All the best, it would be great if you got reds in your wood and the above groups would be able to advise on how to best manage your woodland to benefit them.

[steve rollnick]

Andy,

that's really very useful. I am making contact with the biodiversity officer in Carmarthen council, thanks to you, and we'll do whatever we can to get red squirrels into our wood. My partner Nina says she an all-red squirrel some time back.

I'll keep the forum posted.

Steve

[John H]

Hi Steve

Our woods are also near Llandovery, we have two plots one either side of the town.

Do you live close by or are you like me and live miles away?

We bought ours from the FC about 3 years ago.

John

[steve rollnick]

Hi John,

were moving off squirrel talk, so maybe let's just get in touch....... you can email me on [email protected] and it will be really good to make contact. I live in Cardiff....

I love that area around llandovery, and if any of this group want to visit, just get in touch.

Kind regards, Steve

[Darren]

I postive I.D is most likely the way forward. This goes without saying, but don't put out traps if there is Reds in the area.

on another note I've seen Reds living near Herne bay