Red squirrels back in county at farm's new enclosure

A new red squirrel enclosure will officially open at Small Breeds Park Farm in Kington on Saturday

Red squirrels have made a comeback in Herefordshire after three arrived at a farm's new purpose-built enclosure.

The rare animals are believed to be the only ones in the county following their move to Small Breeds Park Farm in Kington from Norfolk as part of a conservation effort.

Their arrival on Saturday coincided with the official opening of the farm's new enclosure, where a captive breeding programme will now take place.

Manager Ella Pillidge said she hoped the project would help to bring more red squirrels back to the county.

The enclosure opened in March after the farm received a rural tourism grant from the government.

Ms Pillidge said the official opening, carried out by Herefordshire's High Sheriff Helen Bowden, would demonstrate how the programme would help the species.

She added that the enclosure had "already been a hit" with visitors and said it showed how the farm was "moving forwards".

The conservation effort is part of the work carried out by Welsh Mountain Zoo, which helps to protect the animals.

The zoo has contributed to the successful release of 34 red squirrels, the UK's only native squirrel, into the wild since 1998.

Ms Pillidge said the farm wanted to add to the population each year.