Red Squirrels at Dulas Meadow

At Dulas Meadow, we’re fortunate to share our tranquil Anglesey campsite with some truly special neighbours; the beautiful and protected red squirrels. These charming creatures are a rare sight in much of the UK, yet here on Anglesey they continue to thrive thanks to careful conservation efforts and the island’s rich woodland habitats.

In recent months, we’ve been delighted to see red squirrels visiting the trees around our campsite more regularly. Guests have spotted them darting across branches, busily foraging among the leaves, or pausing to nibble a hazelnut. For us, each sighting is a reminder of the delicate balance between nature and relaxation that makes Dulas Meadow such a peaceful place to unwind.

Red squirrels are native to the British Isles and have been part of our landscapes for thousands of years. Sadly, their numbers declined dramatically during the 20th century following the introduction of the non-native grey squirrel from North America. Grey squirrels carry a virus that doesn’t harm them but can be fatal to reds, and they also outcompete them for food and habitat. Anglesey, however, has become one of the few strongholds for red squirrels in Wales, thanks to conservation programmes and the natural island barrier that prevents grey squirrels from spreading here.

A Sign of a Healthy Ecosystem

Seeing red squirrels around Dulas Meadow is more than a treat for visitors, it’s an encouraging sign that our local ecosystem is thriving. Red squirrels feed on nuts, seeds, and fungi, and in doing so, they play an important role in forest regeneration. Many of the seeds they bury and forget eventually grow into new trees, helping sustain the woodland that shelters them. Their presence suggests that our environment remains rich in biodiversity and well balanced.

Protecting Our Woodland Residents

We kindly ask all guests at Dulas Meadow to enjoy watching these wonderful animals quietly and respectfully. Please don’t feed them or leave food out, as human food isn’t good for them and we want to keep them wild and healthy. If you’re lucky enough to see one, take a moment to appreciate its russet coat, tufted ears, and graceful leaps between trees.

The red squirrel is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to intentionally harm or disturb them. By maintaining clean, natural surroundings and encouraging responsible wildlife watching, we’re doing our part to ensure that these endearing creatures continue to thrive here at Dulas Meadow.

Fascinating Red Squirrel Facts

• Red squirrels can hide thousands of nuts each autumn, relying on scent and memory to find them later.
• Their ear tufts grow longer in winter, helping them stay warm.
• They weigh only 250–350 grams and can leap over two metres between trees.
• Red squirrels don’t hibernate. They stay active throughout the year, storing food to see them through the colder months.
• Anglesey is one of the most successful red squirrel conservation areas in the UK, with stable and growing populations.

We feel incredibly lucky to share our home with these enchanting animals. So, when you next visit Dulas Meadow, keep your eyes on the trees - you may just spot a flash of red fur among the leaves! Every sighting is a little reminder of the magic of Anglesey’s natural world, and of how much we all gain when we live gently alongside it.