More than 6,000 grey squirrels have been removed from Anglesey since 1998 and today it is estimated that fewer than 100 still exist. Dr Shuttleworth said: “On mainland sites conservationists face continued reinvasion of woodlands from grey squirrel populations further afield and the continued risk of ‘squirrel pox’ outbreaks. This casts doubt over the future sustainability of many mainland populations.” In July 2006 the project was awarded over £400,000 from GrantScape to completely restore red squirrels across the island’s 700 square kilometres. Miles Barne, chairman of the European Squirrel Initiative, welcomed the continuing success of the campaign to re-establish red squirrels on Anglesey. He said: “Only in the north of England and in Scotland do significant numbers of red squirrels remain and even these are likely to become extinct within 20 years unless the advance of the grey squirrel can be checked.” He added: “Anglesey highlights the vital role which island refuges will play in conserving red squirrels until they can be safely restored once more to the mainland parks and woodland they inhabited for thousands of years before the American grey arrived.” | 
