The Return of the Welsh Red Squirrel: A Conservation Story

[@stevendaniels123]

Thank you for comming to Wales and puting the red/grey squirel problem on the map.....

[@DaniConnorWild]

Also a massive thank you to Alicia Hayden who illustrated the squirrels and Esmé for the stop motion. She did them the day before and they really helped tell the back story of Wales. www.aliciahayden.co.uk

[@AliciaHaydenWildlife]

It was so much fun! ☺️🐿️

[@fasteddy7011]

@@AliciaHaydenWildlife phenomenal job Alicia.

[@themadhavsharmaphotography7029]

@@AliciaHaydenWildlife thank you for the contribution

[@syednadal9142]

🏹💄🌺🧚‍♀️......🧚‍♀️🌠⚘💘

[@JaySmashYou]

such a good film maker!

[@DaniConnorWild]

This was painful getting up ready for Halloween night 🤣 But I hope you enjoy this story as I learn about the conservation of red squirrels in Wales. 🐿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿❤️

[@tigertony7724]

Set a time in the morning I do see squirrels but mostly chubby ones climbing up the tree 🌲

[@madshader]

Love this! May I ask what the name of the song is at the start of your video? It makes me tingle.

[@paulmoore4344]

Fabulous!!!! Be incredibly proud!!!!

[@itsjim2875]

Absolutely wonderful, Dani! Great photography & video as always. Thank you for bringing Marcus along and giving him that opportunity.

[@phillipP8848]

Thank you for sharing this important story with us.

[@lionhawk555]

I've sat and watched red squirrels in the rain. Mostly I stand, but you know the yew arch at the gate of Forest How Guest House. I draw a chair up under there and watch the lower fellside.

[@alisonjones9305]

Wonderful film Dani although I feel really depressed about destroying that forest for ‘holiday homes’, this should be illegal. We complain about the Amazon being destroyed but we are doing the same with our green spaces 😢 Esme was a pioneer and a wonderful legacy. Great job Dani. Love from Shropshire 💕

[@tashastubbs-davies3628]

Ah I was hoping you would tell the story of the red squirrels here in North Wales Dani 💕 I was born here, always lived here, and I am a biologist working in education. I am very much in love our Welsh native flora and fauna. Education about protection of native species and biodiversity is important. Thank you for being such a valuable and effective ambassador Dani!

[@bunkermagnus]

Great video Dani. In the end the red squirrels will prevail, humankind however will be another story as short term profit and corporations will be our doom.

[@colinmeredith7114]

I should think that everybody should say, "THANK YOU"...

[@Swimkid1]

Wonderful thank you, regards, Dave UK

[@throeling]

Excellent quality of pictures, filming, suspence, storytelling. Choice of music: amazing.. As always this was a joy to see and an eye openere as well: How can it be that a plan to cut down a forest to replace it for holiday houses is approved in this environment? The new King should know about it and act accordingly to simply forbid to cut any tree there!!!

[@mowglicoyle5316]

How wonderfull to see a young lady see the importance of the native species to each environment. Nature Finds a way

[@malc121]

You’re doing s well being an ambassador for the Red Squirrels,can’t believe how close they come to you,brilliant photography,looking forward to seeing your next vlog,just ordered your calendar ❤❤

[@thomasrathmann8886]

People can only love what they know and you show them what is worth loving and protecting, with kindness, sometimes with clear words, and always with respect for nature 💚 They won't be able to escape the magic of your pictures ✨

[@WalkForFreedomOz]

Very well said. I've driven hundreds of kilometres to experience the natural beauty of this plant. Way better than any holiday resort. 🏕️

[@frederickmcdonald6636]

Thank you Dani for taking a stand on wildlife and environment issues; I wish more photographers would speak up and use their channels to bring an awareness to issues. Just showing beautiful landscapes is giving the wrong impression that everything is good and okay in this world. You are a world champion in my opinion. Take care and be safe out there....

[@DM-fj8wv]

Totally agree, thanks for speaking up Dani.

[@marcel9568]

So true. Where can we sign the petition to stop them from destroying nature and building these "holiday homes"? Why?

[@davidbellecy1709]

Red squirrels are beautiful.

[@aquaticcolledgefishing]

Aw I went to the Anglesey Red Squirrel reserve a few years ago and only managed so see a couple. I live in North West UK, so only a few hrs away, i need to go back! Great vlog as always, loved the rain shake images Dani 😅👌

[@ashstubbings2603]

I never even knew there were Red Squirrels in Wales! Absolutely brilliant video.

[@frenchiedekent8572]

Hello Dani, one place were the red squirrel are residents, is on Brownsea Island of the coast of Pool, beautiful place and we had the pleasure of observing many red squirrels running around. An absolute delight 🐿

[@gemstyxwalls1419]

Beautiful country side.

[@paulrobson2323]

Great Video.I used to live in North Wales in the 80s. Many times went to Angelsey but sorry I didnt see any Red Squirrels

[@NOMADCREATIVESOLUTIONS]

Established woodland is more important than any attempt to "plant more trees" I'm alarmed that a red home could disappear for something there are already plentiful amounts of. Economics can be a hard task master but it just makes me wanna scream some times. Your work shows clearly the magical nature of these special creatures and I just wish all could see them in the light they deserve and you capture them in. Great work on the cinematics btw. Thanks for all you do.

[@annjames4050]

fantastic video, what a wonderful legacy dear Esme left the world and especially Wales with her boundless energy and foresight.

[@costona]

Mysterious forests, rustic nature, magnificent nature. Your videos are amazing. There are many beautiful places in Japan!

[@RazaAli-l4z]

Her work speaks for itself… beautiful work …

[@andreaschudzinski-buchholz4221]

Hello Dani 😊 Wonderful shots of the red squirrels, specially in the rain. Your new video makes it impressively clear how nature should not be treated ! Great work that makes you think, thank you so much. 🐿 ❤️❤️

[@jv7070ful]

Your video's are getting better and better,they are a joi to watch !

[@mobilestrike5182]

Fantastic to see your take on the Dingle woods. I’m lucky enough to live just a few miles from there and now even more lucky to have Reds as a garden visitor. You must come back great film as usual 👍👍 Hopefully someone will see sense regarding Penrhos but I dread to think what will happen if it goes

[@animaloftides4739]

Your passion shows, loved this video.

[@jingbar]

Dani, Congratulations to all of you in making such a beautiful video, you are no longer just a KZbin video maker but you have joined the Big League in making Wildlife Conservation Films. You have a great future ahead for You

[@tracyedwards2746]

Congratulations on a wonderful film, I've been fortunate to visit the Anglesey squirrels and this brings back lovely memories of time well spent.

[@j.b.4340]

I understand that the requirements to assist the survival of one species, often mean the removal of another. Now apply that notion to human populations, and what do we have? That’s right.

[@themadhavsharmaphotography7029]

well cinematographed video , probably one of the bests i ever feasted on

[@Boatlife1964]

What an absolutely beauty story. The way you frame each scene is just perfect and your camera skills are very good. Can only imagine how long this took to film but it was so worth it.

[@diannajepson8708]

Absolutely love this video and all you do for the red squirrels.

[@paulmoore4344]

I am inspired to the point where I'm almost lost for words. The intro was fabulous, truly professional and the educational factor to the entire video was superb. Deserves to be shared far and wide. Seeing these young folk wanting to protect the wilderness I have enjoyed for half a century gives me hope in a world upside down. Dani Connor is a true ambassador, not only for the Red Squirrel but for co-existing with mother nature. I am old and I am angry. We rid the UK of Battery Hens all the time not noticing Government and Companies were turning us into Battery People. Live on a big housing estate, work on a big industrial estate, shop at a big retail estate. Ever wonder why you're unhappy?

[@marcel9568]

True.

[@newbeeah]

What a beautiful video. Amazing. Loving the music

[@cindystechschulte1487]

Wonderful cinematography Dani. Nice n 👻 spooky. The first red squirrel in Wales on your video was shockingly red. Woe. They seem to like you....or is it the nuts you bring them. Lol 😆

[@davidsmith663]

Thank you Dani for such a great film. I live in North Herefordshire and we are over run with greys. Everyone love them and refuses to believe the damage they do and say that the reds can't live here. This video backs up what I have been telling them. The only thing is, you need to do a video on the greys and that damage to back this excellent work up. Thanks again.

[@BMW7series251]

Thank you Dani, lovely video, love, John.

[@MatthewRaifman]

Outstanding videography! Well done with this!

[@ellejay4497]

I live in Germany in the North Rhine-Westphalia area and there are red squirrels in my backyard/neighborhood. I only see them this time of year looking for nuts. I enjoy seeing them foraging and jumping about. I had no idea Wales was so beautiful. Appreciation to all the people in the conservation areas--great video.

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

Likewise in Rheinland-Pfalz (I'm in the Pfalz) there's loads of red squirrels. We're lucky :-)

[@bargepoled]

There are red squirrels in the graveyard in Duisburg. My partner lives 2 minutes from it, and in my mother in laws Garden in Ahe near Bergheim in NRW. They are pretty common in Germany. I went to University 5 minutes from the Menai Straits. Small world! 😂😂❤️

[@NYWildflower]

Wow, I have so many emotions from this video. Watching the squirrels 'dance' while shaking off the rain was so much fun! And I was glad the video ended with that because it was difficult to learn that the incredibly biodiverse home of these incredible red squirrels is going to be cut down. Can local petitioning be done? Please continue to keep us aware of the situation when possible.

[@survivalist56]

great music .... and picture )

[@robertodebeers2551]

Great work. Thank you.

[@wngimageanddesign9546]

Very cinematic!

[@lchimenz]

Such beautiful footage.

[@kelvinsmallwood6315]

Thks Dani for another superb video. Wales looks beautiful but there are other issues unseen. The squirrel photos are brilliant. No doubt you can get a great shot, other times not. Squirrels are busy animals.

[@maolector]

I-REALLY-LOVE-THIS-VIDEO. PERIOD.

[@cuppajavaplease]

The footage on this was fabulous from beginning to end. It was a real treat for me. The spooky sequence at the beginning was very high quality "scary movie" material. Love the beautiful red squirrels! Thank you for being an ambassador and an environmentalist. You are a real inspiration!

[@ThvonS]

True

[@frankiejim2047]

Your best video yet Dani. Educational, entertaining and always inspiring. 👍

[@carmmk6630]

🍃Wonderful video love the beginning the plaque with Shackleton was neat but the star of our story truly is the red squirrel. What is going to happen with this woodland moving forward is there protests against the proposed development? There really is no purpose in reforesting a perfect woods when it exists now! It time to put nature first over our human desires because if we don't our lives will continue to diminish in ways we will not fully understand. Dani keep up the amazing work with your heart centered leadership its important. I signed up as a Dani Connor Wild Patreon member today and look forward to being part of the community. 🤗🍃

[@catlifeplus2231]

Love this mini documentary style!

[@tadeuszpoczatek9277]

Hello from Poland

[@stevehotshotsantini9777]

Fantastic video Dani, you really are an excellent film maker... I can see there's a lot of effort and patience involved, and it pays off massively... You are so good at your art, please keep going and I wish you all you wish yourself.. Thanks

[@lieuwina]

Marcus congratulations on your great shots on the red squirrel and Dani I did not know Wales was so beautiful. I am sure they could find another place to build those holiday homes, they are mad. Thank you for sharing your beautiful trip and photography.

[@CMule32]

Beautiful work Dani!! Keep it going.

[@blazer4999]

Your next port of call on the Red Squirrel trail should be the Isle of Wight. Surely England's largest colony of Reds, and their last stronghold in England. A mile of ocean separating the island from the mainland means the Greys are not able to encroach, the reason they have survived and thrived here so well.

[@tommyerickson1900]

Wow, this is such a beautiful video. And I liked the beginning of it. It felt like .. new or something. With the "graveyard", and the somber surroundings. I absolutely love it. And your ability to make the camera "see" what you're seeing in the forest.

[@markusfrey4256]

...it' is a firewok of impressions!

[@wellingtonaraujo5418]

awesome!

[@thomaspowers4952]

Lovely video! One of your best yet. Thank you!!!

[@wanda4579]

Superbe introduction, video, couleurs, j'adore le cahier avec l'explication sur le recul des ecureuils roux, merci à vous pour ce montage de qualité. La voix OFF est magnifique et nous entraine dans l'histoire comme dans un conte le soir, près du feu. Merci 🐿🌳🌰

[@DouweBuruma]

This video is so professionally put together, it’s a joy to watch. Thank you Dani.

[@NaturePhotographer757]

Wooow so Beautiful👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@frednorman1]

Very artful opening, great cinematography, Dani

[@helmuthhubener1115]

You got some great photos. Thanks for the mini documentary :). Id love to see more from you.

[@divadmottram]

so glad you found the squirrels on anglesea

[@MrSnask]

Awesome Dani! Great to see that you are improving so fast in filming and editing :)

[@dusseligedohle]

Huhu Dani, first thing I use to say: the beginning of this video is SO nice, gave me goosebumps somehow 🥰 I wanted to tell you about "my" red squirrel, that lives somewhere near by (i live in Germany, Lower Saxony, 5km away from the Dutch border) and visits me almost every day. She's here since round about two years and it's some kind of we know each other 😊 I love to spend my time in the garden and she's not really scared when im in the garden doing my stuff. Sometimes she's brave enough to take a walnut out of my hand 🥺 her name is Ilvy, but the most time i call her Nudel what's german for noodle 😂 because she really is a crazy, wild and playful noodle. I love her really much, even if I know that this unusual "friendship" will end someday and one day she wouldn't come to visit me to get some nuts 😔 just to think about it got me a little tear in the eye. I'm really proud to know her and that she likes me too, as it seems (probably she's loving the nut's more than me 🤔). Long story short, she's also the reason how I found your KZbin channel and I watched and love all of your videos! I also love to photograph but I don't do it in a professional way. But some people like my pictures and I really wanted to buy them 😯☺️ (Please excuse any mistakes I made and I hope you can understand what I wanted to say 😅) Thank you very much for being the young woman you are and sharing a part of your life with us! I really appreciate you 🤗

[@shirleyboy8859]

Delightful Video as always Dani.... Genuine LOL moment... "Is there one behind me?"..... Hilarious.... The Joys of wildlife photography.... Holiday Homes!!!! It is all about the money Dani..... Very sad.... But if anyone can stop it, it will be you.... Bless you :-)) xxx

[@John-ci8yk]

Thank you and thumbs up

[@momentsof.photography]

What an amazing masterpiece this intro is! 😮😮😮 Love it, that you tryed a completely new style with such a great result. Also such a nice and informative video as a whole.

[@MajorKlanga]

Thanks for another beautifully crafted video. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes because of human greed and folly. The whole idea of building holiday homes should have been consigned to the dustbin of history especially considering the shortage of affordable permanent homes and the negative impact of mass tourism. But the fact that this unique ancient woodland is to be sacrificed for this scheme is heartbreaking. Is there any way I and other viewers can support opposition to this plan?

[@WalkForFreedomOz]

Hearing about human greed all ways saddens me. Putting money before the welfare of others is so wrong. 😪

[@DaveDM0621]

Nice video Dani :-)

[@themadhavsharmaphotography7029]

there is something i am anxious happily about Everytime I read something related to animals in a book , internet and real life somehow throws me into the same thing. Even this time : i read about the problem between grey and red welsh squirrels in peter wohelleben's book and here i am on your video which mentions the same. ANDDD YESS... inspired by other foresters , peter wohellebens book , dani connor's videos , and morten hilmer , I have also started to attract and be on a hunt to find and get squirrels to my yard (and then photograph them too but thats not a priority). Today i melted when my squirrel so close to me came in and the nuts i had laid. oh my !

[@MountainMan23]

Thanks for sharing your passion! You are an inspiration!

[@anjav.2980]

Can't get enough of these beautiful shots… ❤ Thank you so much Dani 🙏🥰

[@EugeneGaudreau]

I like Dani's choice of music for her videos.

[@carlsadventures2361]

I love your video and its great to see that the reds have a strong hold in Wales keep your good work up

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Beautiful video. I lived in Menai Bridge when studying at the Ocean Science Department there. It is beautiful. My studies and jobs took me to Germany, which only has red squirrels. We have loads around our house and in my garden. I love it when the young play together and drink from my natural (no fish) bond. Disgusting they will destroy an old forest to build holiday homes, especially when there are so many other open spaces they could build holiday homes... shame if the local Welsh council for allowing this atrocity.

[@MrCaprinut]

Fantastic video, the beginnin looked like a movie. So sad to see the forrest chopped down for the sake of leisure homes.

[@jamesdecross1035]

Oh how I wish the Red Squirrel survived in Thetford Forest - the biggest forestry plantation in southern England. Sadly, I believe the last one seen there, and here in Norwich, in my local urban woodland (Lion Wood LNR) was back in 1976, a year before my time on this planet, but a place I used to hide, filling my sketchbooks. We need to bring them back!

[@erniescabin4256]

hi i live in the boreal forest in canada the red squirrel is the main squirrel here but clear cutting is still an issue here thanks for your part in trying to live with nature we need more people like you

[@fasteddy7011]

Jaun did a phenomenal job in this production. You guys make a great team. I love that you took the 17-year-old young man along with you. What a great experience for him and I'm sure he'll never forget it. What an excellent role model you are. That young boy I'm sure was so impressed to spend time with the world renown wildlife photographer like you. I love the storyline and I love your compassion for conservation. I think that's the best video you put together so far. Praying these people wake up someday and realize like you said you can't restore the habitat once you destroy it.

[@petravanrijsewijk6928]

It makes me happy to watch your videos❤

[@inahood8227]

& Thank YOU, Dani! 🐿 (I know...not a squirrel;) . ☆"You don't replant a habitat"☆. What an amazing video is this - from Intro to end you've put so much love in there...and you are such an amazing advocate for the squirrels! (We can watch them in the gardens these days, the red ones, here in Germany), Much Love, Marian, Manuel (Love the idea of you buying a forest!)

[@pochikaevamaria]

We have tons of squirrels here in Siberia. =)

[@pennyoliver7799]

Thanks Dani & Juan for another great video. Extremely concerned about the trees coming down for yet more holiday homes!!! It’s so sad to think this goes on so much and nature is completely destroyed ☹️

[@thewizardmountain]

what a fantastic video! such gorgeous scenery and creatures!

[@peterjansen4826]

Gorgeous animals. You should have sat in the rain with them before, that shaking is great for the video.

[@richardc4586]

WHAT A GREAT VIDEO!

[@bill9540]

It’s like the reds know what the plan is and are saying: “tell our story!”

[@andywhiteside16]

Dani this was absolutely brilliant not only in content but making people aware of what man does to the environment it just seems that's all man wants to do , destroy things. I really need to get out there to photograph the reds for me it would have to be in the Lake District . Keep up the good work

[@clivedamagedgoods]

That intro was spectacular

[@danahfaren74]

Your videos are always so uplifting and well produced. Such a joy to follow your channel!

[@phillylifer]

The music is always so compelling

[@lukelevsen1542]

To me, the older a forest is the more reason there is to preserve it. So many trees are older than we know and they have history too.

[@tigertony7724]

Creepy love it.Happy Halloween 👻