Dyfed Smallholders' Association

An iconic species, the red squirrel is in need of concerted conservation action to save it from extinction. The new conservation plan puts this work on a surer footing, bringing renewed hope that future generations can continue to enjoy sightings of this much-loved mammal. (see red squirrel video footage on S4C website - http://www.s4c.co.uk/naturcymru/e_video-diary.shtml)

Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones said:

Red squirrels live and breed in trees, making their nests, or dreys, in them and feeding on tree seeds. At one time, red squirrels were found in the woodlands and forests throughout Wales and many people may remember seeing red squirrels in local woodlands during their childhood.

Red squirrels are now only found at handful of sites in Wales with the main populations being on Ynys Mon, in Clocaenog forest and in the complex of forests of mid-Wales in and around the Tywi valley. Genetic studies have shown that each of these red squirrel populations contain DNA which is unique to Wales.

In recognition of the importance of these three populations, we have agreed that Anglesey, Clocaenog and mid-Wales sites should be Focal Sites for red squirrels and that urgent strategic action is needed in these areas.

We can no longer take red squirrels for granted, like other members of our fauna and flora, they have suffered as the result of the spread of a non-native species –  the grey squirrel. We have a duty to protect red squirrels in Wales and to ensure that future generations will continue to have the privilege of seeing them in the wild.

Many factors have contributed to the decline of red squirrels – competition from grey squirrels, the spread of disease and, to a lesser extent, habitat loss. Conservation of red squirrels depends on maintaining sites free from grey squirrels and ensuring suitable habitat for red squirrels.

Other key actions in the new plan are to:

• Identify and monitor populations of red squirrels, including surveying all sites with records of red squirrels in the last 10 years, and monitoring Focal Sites;
• Prepare and implement red squirrel management plans for the Focal Sites;
• Establish community groups to support and join in the conservation effort;
• Establish and maintain a red squirrel database;
• Review the need for research – to assess, for example, the potential impact of climate change on red squirrel conservation.

AGENDA
Meet and enjoy a Welcome Free Drink – choice of beer, wine or a soft drink.

1.    Minutes of the last AGM 2.    Chair's Report  3.    Secretary's Report  4.    Treasurer's Report
5    Resolutions proposed:
6    Election of the committee for 2009-2010:
Chair Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Newsletter Editor and Committee Members (up to 5)
7: Any other Business
Entry to the AGM is free and limited to DSA members only. Donations to cover the room hire are welcomed.
Please Note :- Members who are logged in to the website can find the AGM minutes at http://tinyurl.com/ygv85o9 or by going into the Minutes section of the Members' Only pages on the website. Also a number of hard copies of the minutes will be available at the Meeting.

New poultry discussion group in south Wales starting in February 2010 - first meeting at Llety Cynin on 11th Feb at St Clears. For further details www.calu.bangor.ac.uk