Anglesey is one of the few remaining places you can see red squirrels in Wales. At one time, there were just 30 on the island, but a big effort of supplementary feeding and green corridors has seen the population grow to over 1000, according to a local guide, and spotting them is now one of the top things to do in Anglesey.
This is possible because Anglesey is free of grey squirrels who carry a disease known as squirrel pox. The disease does not harm them but causes mouth blistering and can be fatal to red squirrels.
Pine martins have also been introduced to the island, they are a natural predator of the grey squirrel although they cannot catch the small, fast red squirrel.
So, you're probably wondering how you can spot these cute little woodland creatures. Well, I’ve recently been out on the island spotting them myself and, in this article, I’ll share the top spots to increase your chances of seeing them, plus some red squirrel spotting tips at the end.
Best Places to See Red Squirrels in Anglesey
1. Plas Newydd
The very best place to see squirrels on Anglesey is Plas Newydd. This is a large country house and garden which sits on the bank of the Menai Straits and was the seat of the Marquesses of Anglesey until the National Trust took over it in 1976.
The house and gardens are worth a visit anyway, but red squirrel fans are almost guaranteed to catch a look at these cute red-orange furry tree rodents because they have dedicated red squirrel rangers whose job it is to refill feeding stations, care for the squirrel nest boxes, and monitor squirrel activity
The officers (who are volunteers) lead daily walks through Dairy Wood which is a popular hotspot for red squirrels on the grounds of Plas Newydd. I took the tour and indeed, within around 10 minutes, we had already caught a glimpse of our first red squirrel.
If you want to explore on your own, they have lots of small hideaways like the one shown above where you can sit and watch for red squirrels, birds, and other wildlife.
2. Newborough Forest
Another squirrel hotspot in Anglesey is Newborough Forest where a population of red squirrels were introduced successfully in 2004 and have remained since.
Although I was recommended this spot by several people, unfortunately, I didn’t spot any squirrels here myself, but perhaps you will have more luck.
Here, there are several different walking trails through the forest. There isn’t one specific trail to follow to see red squirrels, so follow my tips at the end of this article to spot them.
You will have to pay a toll fee in order to park at Newborough Forest. The latest pricing (Summer 2022) is £2 for the first hour plus 40p for each additional hour. While here, you can also explore Llanddwyn Beach and visit Ynys Llanddwyn where you'll find an old lighthouse and the remains of the historic church of St Dwynwen.
3. Llyn Parc Mawr
Llyn Parc Mawr is an area of woodland right next to Newborough Forest so you won’t be surprised to learn that it’s also a great spot for red squirrels.
It’s run by a community woodland group of volunteers and receives funding from the National Lottery. The group are responsible for planting trees, removing invasive plants, and ensuring that the woodland is safe and litter-free.
They also feed the birds and red squirrels to ensure a thriving population. You’ll spot red squirrel feeders around the woodland and car park.
Llyn Parc Mawr also run events, you can check the events section of their website for more information.
4. The Dingle Nature Reserve (Nant y Pandy) in Llangefni
My final recommended spot for seeing red squirrels is The Dingle (officially called Nant Y Pandy Nature Reserve but locals call it The Dingle) which is easily accessible from Llangefni in the centre of Anglesey.
You only have to read through their Trip Advisor reviews to see lots of comments from successful squirrel spotters here. The best spots are the boardwalk and up near Cefni Reservoir.
Tips for Spotting Red Squirrels
Here are four tips to help you succeed in spotting a red squirrel in Anglesey:
- Bring binoculars – You’re not going to be able to get very close without scaring them off so binoculars are a must. If you want to capture a good photo, bring a zoom lens.
ㅤ - Look for squirrel dreys – A squirrel drey is their nest and it’s usually around two-thirds of the way up a tree. They are a ball of twigs, branches and leaves, about the size of a football.
ㅤ - Let them come to you – Red squirrels are very shy, so find one spot near a drey or near food and stay very quiet, this will encourage them to show themselves.
ㅤ - Look down in autumn/winter and up during spring/summer – During spring and summer, they might be lazing in the canopies or chasing mates around because it’s breeding season so look high up in the trees. In autumn, they’ll be busy feeding, and scavenging food from the forest floor. You might struggle to spot them in winter, although you may see them digging for cached food.
Related Questions
When to See Red Squirrels?
Red squirrels do not hibernate so it’s possible to spot them year-round. However, Autumn is the best season to see red squirrels with October being the best month. The best time of day is morning through to late afternoon.
Published: 24 November 2022