RESIDENTS of a north Wales village hope to make a dent in the American mink population after attending a BASC training day.
Eleven locals from Nant Gwynant, near Beddgelert, signed up to the course after sightings of the non-native invasive species in Afon Glaslyn and Llyn Gwynant.
Mink can devastate populations of water birds and water voles, but control measures have proven successful.
Wardens from Snowdonia National Park already operate mink rafts and traps on the river after attending a BASC-led training course late last year.
Audrey Watson, BASC’s Green Shoots Wales officer, said: “It’s great to see local people volunteering together to help with such an important project.
“The park is one of our key areas for mink control. The more gaps we can fill in the network of controllers, the greater chance of reducing mink numbers and allowing native species to thrive.”
Liam McKeown, who attended the course, said: “It was an interesting and informative day, looking at methods of controlling an alien species. We would like to say many thanks to BASC for their input. My raft was in place the following day!”
For further inforamtion, please contact BASC's press office on 01244 573007 or email press@basc.org.uk
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