Rare red squirrels could soon be joining the monks on Caldey Island. Local MP Simon Hart is investigating the possibility of introducing the shy native species to the small island.

“Caldey would be perfect for red squirrels because it has no grey squirrels or other predators,” said Mr Hart.  “It also has a substantial amount of native woodland and because it’s an island, the reds would be relatively undisturbed.”

The introduction plan was first raised when Mr Hart visited the island to canvas the residents who help the monks run the tourist attractions and farm.

“Having made links with the island, the tenant farmer and the island manager then came to see me to say that they were keen to introduce red squirrels and could I help them,” explained Mr Hart. “I have made contact on their behalf with the Red Squirrel Survival Trust and held meetings in London with introduction experts.”

He has also won the backing of the Government for the scheme, with under-secretary of state for Defra, Richard Benyon, commenting: “I applaud the monks, and their member of parlianment, for their support for this scheme. Like me, they have seen what has happened in Anglesey and the eradication of the grey squirrel there, which has almost been achieved.”

Mr Hart added: “The beauty of the Caldey project is that no greys have to be eradicated first. They are a very aggressive, non-native species that has almost totally wiped out the native and much smaller reds in the UK.

“We are now looking into the practicalities of the scheme and such issues as supplementary feeding and extra planting and will be going to the Abbot with our findings to discuss them.

“We may be a little way off having Squirrel Nutkin off our coast, but this is a real and exciting possibility.”

Caldey's estate manager, Ben Childs said this week: "This is a great idea, but first of all, a presentation must be made to the Abbot and the community. It is their island, and everybody must be respectful of that."