LOVE is in the air at a North Wales pine forest as moves by conservationists to create a haven for red squirrels looks to be heading for success. Newborough forest in Anglesey, earmarked as part of a major initiative to re-introduce reds across Europe, is on track for a bumper breeding season. A couple of years ago up to 500 grey squirrels, the reds' arch enemy,, were "removed" from the forest to be replaced by the more vulnerable reds. Last year they produced 23 young and this spring, observers have already been monitoring seven litters with more expected. Dr Craig Shuttleworth of the community group Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels said: "We are delighted to see the red squirrels returning to their old haunts. This is a terrific achievement when nationally the red squirrel is still in decline. "The creation of island refuges is a vital step in the national campaign to preserve the red squirrel and the merits of establishing further island colonies should be examined. "It means visitors to this isolated coastal forest have already been lucky enough to see a wild red squirrel in what was, until only a few years ago, a habitat over-run by grey squirrels." To get the Newborough project up and running British zoos and private breeders donated red squirrels and it was co-ordinated by the Welsh Mountain Zoo at Colwyn Bay. An ESI spokesman said: "Our role is to establish successful methods for the restoration of the red squirrel, persuade governments of the need to rid Europe of the grey squirrel and commission research into the impact they are having on local eco-systems. "Anglesey offers a unique opportunity to create a permanent red squirrel refuge." | 
