North Wales' red squirrels and pine martens have been given a welcome boost after a conservation project was extended.

Magical Mammals, a partnership between Red Squirrels Trust Wales, Clocaenog Red Squirrels Trust (CRST) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW), is helping increase red squirrel numbers in Clocaenog Forest, supporting red squirrel conservation in northern Gwynedd and Anglesey, and collecting genetic details of pine martens in woodlands in Gwynedd to better understand the status of the species.

The extension will enable partners to build on progress already made and will focus on analysing the genetics of pine martens in north Wales, training volunteers to use squirrel monitoring cameras and undertaking grey squirrel control.

Red squirrel numbers have declined dramatically across Wales over recent decades, largely due to competition from non-native grey squirrels and the impacts of squirrelpox virus. Today, north Wales remains one of the species' most important strongholds.

As part of the project, captive-bred red squirrels have been released into Clocaenog Forest to reinforce existing populations, while pine martens have been reintroduced into carefully selected woodland sites in north-west Wales.

Community involvement has been central to the project's success. Volunteers have helped construct release enclosures, build and install nest boxes, provide supplementary feeding and support monitoring work, helping give both species the best possible chance of establishing self-sustaining populations.

Workshops and volunteering activities have also enabled local people to develop practical conservation skills, connect with nature and contribute directly to protecting some of Wales' most iconic wildlife.

Rebecca Clews-Roberts, NRW Specialist Advisor on Terrestrial Mammals, said: "This project has shown what can be achieved when conservation organisations, volunteers and local communities work together. The extension means we can build on that success and continue supporting one of Wales' most iconic native mammals for years to come."