RED squirrels in a Denbighshire forest have been handed a lifeline thanks to a grant awarded to a Trust.

Clocaenog Red Squirrels Trust (CRST) says it is 'delighted' to announce that it has been awarded a grant by Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm Fund and RWE.

CRST, a registered charity, was formed in 2018 with the objective of saving the remaining population of Red Squirrels that were surviving in Clocaenog Forest, near Ruthin.

It was thought that there were about 50 red squirrels remaining in the forest at the time.

A dedicated team of volunteers have worked thousands of hours, in conjunction with forest managers Natural Resources Wales, to stabilise the decline and are now 'seeing promising signs of population recovery'.

In partnership with Red Squirrels Trust Wales, CRST is in the development phase of Magical Mammals, a project supported by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This project is designed to create conditions that will enhance future prospects for Red Squirrels in Clocaenog Forest and on the Gwynedd coastal zone.

Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm Fund has agreed to provide matched funding, amounting to £35,000 over 5 years, which will enable Magical Mammals to proceed.

A statement from CRST read: "This funding will support the placement of a part-time Community Ranger in Clocaenog Forest who will help CRST in its primary objective of increasing the red squirrels population.

"This will be achieved through recruitment of volunteers and supporters, and also engagement with the local community, providing presentations for schools and community groups together with guided tours of the forest with focus on accessibility and wellness.

"CRST is grateful to Clocaenog Wind Farm Fund and RWE for this award."

For more information, to volunteer or support, visit: clocaenog-rst.org