A conservation project supporting red squirrels and pine martens in North Wales has been given an extension, allowing work to protect the native species to continue.

Magical Mammals, a partnership between Red Squirrels Trust Wales and Clocaenog Red Squirrels Trust, is helping to strengthen red squirrel populations in Clocaenog Forest, as well as supporting conservation efforts in northern Gwynedd and Anglesey.

The project is also gathering genetic information about pine martens in Gwynedd to help researchers better understand the species and its status in the region.

The extension will allow the partners to continue monitoring wildlife, train volunteers to use squirrel monitoring cameras and carry out further control of grey squirrels.

Red squirrel numbers have fallen dramatically across Wales in recent decades, largely because of competition from non-native grey squirrels and the effects of squirrelpox virus. North Wales remains one of the most important areas for the species in Wales.

Captive-bred red squirrels have been released into Clocaenog Forest to strengthen existing populations, while pine martens have been reintroduced at selected woodland sites in north-west Wales.

Volunteers have played a key role, helping to build release enclosures and nest boxes, provide supplementary food and monitor the animals. Workshops and other activities have also given local people the opportunity to develop conservation skills and contribute to protecting native wildlife.

Dr Craig Shuttleworth, Magical Mammals project manager, said combining scientific research, practical conservation and community involvement had given red squirrels and pine martens a stronger future in North Wales.

He said the project was also equipping local people with the skills and knowledge to help protect the species in the long term.

Julian Mason, chair of Clocaenog Red Squirrel Trust, welcomed the extension, saying volunteers would benefit from further support from the project's red squirrel ranger.

He added that the trust was looking forward to taking part in more citizen science activities to help monitor and protect red squirrels in Clocaenog Forest.

The project is supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.