ANGLESEY’S red squirrels and the effort made by north Wales volunteers to protect them is being celebrated during an evening of nature talks being held in Bangor

The Red Squirrel Trust Wales’ patron Iolo Williams will be taking part in the informative and entertaining fundraiser at Pontio.

The popular Welsh naturalist, observer, author and television presenter is well known for his TV nature shows. He is also the RSPB’s species officer, and will be discussing birds and the threats they face.

Holly Peek, RSTW red squirrel ranger for Anglesey and Gwynedd, will talk about the red squirrel projects in north Wales and associated conflicts of protecting woodland wildlife.

Dr Cathleen Thomas of the RSPB’s Hen Harrier Life Projects will also speak about hen harriers.

Holly Peek said: “ We now have some 800 red squirrels living on Anglesey, they have even gone over the Strait Menai, by the bridge or by swimming. They can now be found on the mainland in Bangor, in places like Bethesda, they have even been seen as far as the Clocaenog woodland near Ruthin.

“Just 20 years there were only about 40 on the island, so their numbers have increased in a short time.

“The red squirrels have also survived the squirrel pox epidemic which occurred at the end of 2017, luckily we haven’t seen any more cases since then.

“Much of the squirrels success has been down to the work of RSTW, volunteers and the public, helping us to keep an eye on them, and keeping us informed.”

The talks evening is being held in Pontio Lecture Theatre PL5 at 6.30pm, (the doors open at 6pm), on Tuesday, September 24. All proceeds will go to the Red Squirrels Trust Wales charity.

Tickets are £12 and £6 for students (with a valid student card) and children. There will also be stalls and a raffle in the foyer.

Tickets are at https://redsquirrelstrustwales.eventbrite.co.uk/ Or see Twitter.