FOREST bosses across Wales were last night urged to do more to protect under-threat red squirrels. Experts are fighting to save the reds in three areas, including Anglesey, from alien grey squirrels. And yesterday they demanded better management of forests where they are making a slow comeback. Welsh red squirrel numbers dwindled to under 1,000. Anglesey apart, they are just about hanging on in two Clocaenog and Tywi forests. Craig Shuttleworth, who runs the Friends of Anglesey Red Squirrel project, called for more urgent action by government agencies. He was speaking at a European Squirrel Initiative (ESI) conference for conservation-ists, foresters and landowners. He said: "The red squirrel population on Anglesey is steadily increasing and the work we are doing shows reds can re-establish themselves once the grey squirrel has been removed." So far 6,000 greys have been "culled" on the island.. He added: "Although the threat from the grey squirrel is being tackled on the island it is imperative government agencies start to manage the forests where the red squirrels are found in a manner much more sympathetic to the needs of the species." Delegates were told effective control of the grey squirrel was the only way forward. Speakers challenged the government to commit resources to developing an effective way of removing greys from Wales. ESI chairman Miles Barne said: "It is vital that we secure the future of the Welsh red squirrel." | 
