RED squirrels are to be relocated from areas where they thrive to remote forests in the north-west Highlands to help secure their future.

The animals will be taken from Moray and Inverness-shire, and rom woodlands in the area between Elgin, Aviemore and Inverness.

They will then be released in their as yet unidentified new home sites.

Since 1952, some 95 per cent of red squirrels in England and Wales have been wiped out, and today around 120,000 of the UK’s remaining population of 138,000, are found in Scotland. Devastated by disease and competition from the introduction of the grey squirrel, they are still in decline.

But the ambitious Caledonian Forest Wildlife Project, which launches this summer, has a goal of establishing 10 new populations of the threatened species in the Highlands over the next three years. Its long-term aim is to boost red squirrel numbers in Scotland by more than 10 per cent.

It will build on pioneering work by leading conservationist Roy Dennis of the Highland Foundation for Wildlife which has demonstrated impressive results. The 40 red squirrels he moved into woods at Dundonnell in Wester Ross in 2008, have already expanded into a thriving population of around 400, and two further translocations were also very successful.

The forest wildlife project by conservation charities Trees for Life and the Highland Foundation for Wildlife aims to secure a major increase in the range of the red squirrel for the first time in decades.

Once a squirrel has been caught, the trap will be covered with a dark cloth to keep it calm and reduce stress. All traps will be checked at a maximum of two-hourly intervals, and all will undergo a health check by a qualified vet, to ensure that diseased animals are not introduced into the new populations.

No more than two squirrels will be taken from any one site, so these local populations do not suffer.

“Through an effective and proven approach, this exciting initiative will help red squirrels return to the forests where they belong for the first time in decades, leading to significant new populations of this iconic species and offering real hope for its long-term survival,” said Alan Watson Featherstone, Trees for Life’s executive director.

“Increasing red squirrel numbers will also benefit our native forests and the many species that depend on them, because red squirrels are nature’s tree planters. They collect and bury thousands of tree seeds each autumn, but frequently forget these hoards, which in spring take root and so expand our woodlands.”

In addition to the impact of the greys, red squirrel numbers have also been adversely affected by the loss of many of their woodland homes, which have been reduced to isolated remnants through felling. They travel from tree to tree and do not usually cross open ground, preventing them extending their range.

The project is being made possible by a grant of more than £61,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Colin McLean, head of the fund in Scotland, said: “We are delighted to support the Caledonian Forest Wildlife Project, which will provide opportunities in both rural and urban communities for volunteers to learn about wildlife, as well as training in practical conservation skills. We are pleased to support projects that will stimulate an interest in our precious natural heritage and so help conserve it for future generations.”

There are thought to be 3,000 red squirrels in Wales and 15,000 in England.