On 28 March, Clocaenog Forest welcomed a female named Maple from Wildwood Devon, and another female from Wildwood Kent arrived on 10 April.
These translocations form part of the ongoing Magical Mammals project, which aims to strengthen native red squirrel populations in North Wales. The Magical Mammals project has received funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The translocation process follows a careful acclimatisation protocol to ensure the squirrels’ wellbeing and successful integration. Initially, they undergo a two-week acclimatisation period in a purpose built enclosure. During this time, the Red Squirrel Ranger and Clocaenog Red Squirrel Trust (CRST) volunteers conduct daily welfare checks, monitoring food consumption and overall health. Trail cameras capture footage for off-site review, minimising disturbance. Volunteers look for signs of feeding and activity to assess the squirrels' adjustment.