Red squirrels have arrived in Herefordshire, in what is believed to be a first for the county and a major step for local wildlife conservation.

A new red squirrel enclosure was formally opened at the Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre in Kington on Saturday, August, 2 by the High Sheriff of Herefordshire, Helen Bowden.

The animals are thought to be the only red squirrels currently in the county, and their arrival is part of wider efforts to support the UK’s declining red squirrel population, which has been hit hard by habitat loss and competition from greys.

The enclosure was completed in March with funding from the Herefordshire BID Programme, but the arrival of the animals was delayed due to bird flu restrictions. The first squirrel arrived from Longleat Safari Park in early July, with two more expected from Norfolk in the coming weeks.

“We didn’t join the red squirrel programme to boost business – we did it to boost red squirrel numbers,” said Lewis Jones, Manager of Small Breeds Farm Park.

“For us, it’s about whiskers, not wallets. Conservation and animal welfare always come first.”

The enclosure has been planted with native trees and shrubs to replicate the squirrels’ natural habitat. Michele Blackmore, from Madley Plants, designed the space using species such as rowan, holly, silver birch and conifers to support the animals’ health and behaviour.

The farm is working with the Welsh Mountain Zoo, which leads the UK’s captive breeding programme for red squirrels. Since 1998, the scheme has released 34 red squirrels into the wild, with a further 22 released by supporting centres since 2004.

Small Breeds Farm Park, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, has been owned by Lewis Jones and Ella Pillidge since 2022. It is home to more than 30 animal breeds, including one of the UK’s largest owl collections. No booking is required - visitors can simply turn up to enjoy the new red squirrel enclosure and the rest of the farm park.