LARGE green corridors in the form of hedgerows are being planted across Anglesey in order to encourage the island's red squirrel population.

As part of a Long Forest project in partnership with the National Trust, RSPB and The Red Squirrel Trust Wales, work is already underway to create vital links across the south western parts of Anglesey.

As part of the new three year plan, 150m of hedgerow with over 600 trees has been planted by Long Forest volunteers at Coed Llwynonn near Llanfairpwll.

This is expected to connect to a squirrel bridge, which is awaiting planning permission, that will help ensure safe passage for the critters over the A4080 to woods at Plas Newydd.

This woodland then links directly onto 400m of existing hedge which the volunteers are currently restoring.

Once completed, this will act as a corridor to another woodland in Plas Newydd which will link to another squirrel bridge back over the A4080.

The aim is to complete the circle next year by planting a further 200m of hedge.

Dr Craig Shuttleworth of the Red Squirrels Trust Wales said: “Planting trees to link up woodland habitats is a fantastic way of helping a wealth of native wildlife including the red squirrel.

"Anglesey has one of the most important squirrel populations in the UK and it is great to see so many volunteers and landowners supporting the Long Forest project.”

Planting is set to take place at RSPB Malltraeth in the coming weeks, where over 1,000 trees will be used to gap up large sections of hedgerow in the area between Newborough and Llangefni, which is a red squirrel stronghold.

The Long Forest Project has been developed by Keep Wales Tidy in partnership with the Woodland Trust, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.

It aims to raise awareness on the importance of hedgerows and their uses, highlight their historical value and survey their condition.

The project is delivering practical action across Wales working with landowners and community groups to help manage, improve and extend hedgerows, through training and volunteering.

Together, they aim to plant100,000 trees and improve around 120,000m of hedgerow.

For more information, visit: www.longforest.cymru.