It has been discovered that Shetland ponies and their foals that have been grazing on the heath lands of Anglesey have been stimulating the growth of a rare Marsh Gentian orchid .
There are only a few locations in Wales where this orchid can be found, in Anglesey it is Penrhoslligwy.
This particular health land looks like any other but it is in fact a site of Special Scientific Interest. The reason is the presence of wildlife gems like the Tafod Y Gors orchid or butterwort, which catches insects with its slippery leaves, and the Grass of Parnassus which unlike its name is a delicate flower rather than a grass.
The flowers were under threat during the last ten years especially the orchid, due to the lack of grazing, the growth of birch, rowan and non-native pine trees meant the heath lands went into decline.
A scheme devised by landowners in partnership with the Countryside Council for Wales brought the ponies in to stop the decline and increase the number of March Gentian.
Justin Hanson, senior conservation officer for the CCW said, "As well as this, a controlled burning and mowing scheme was put in place to help rejuvenate the heather and grasses."
Shrubs were cleared from the site and surrounded with stock proof fencing.
He added, "By doing this and then bringing ponies onto the land, we were able to encourage the growth of new grass and heather and provide a chance for the marsh gentians to get a foothold once again."
The ponies belong to Eifion Rowlands, of Parc, and were considered to be the right candidate for the job .
He said, "Not only do they thrive on poor forage and stay healthy when kept on unimproved vegetation, they also dislike flowered plants, are very friendly when left on open-access sites and fit perfectly with the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
"The ponies are thriving and this year’s foals will swell the number of grazing animals on the heath land, which will help conserve and manage this special site.
"This year has already seen an increase in the number of gentians on some parts of the land.
"If we are able to enter into partnership with a couple more landowners, over the next five years, a huge increase in the gentians is expected - hopefully making this a UK stronghold and a great place for local people and visitors to enjoy."
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The ponies that encourage wild flowers to grow
Tue, 19 Sep 2006
Recommended linksPortal for sending flowers and giftsSend roses direct Wild flowers thriving on the Moors Rare orchids breed to create a gem
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