We recently posted here about a number of talks that we thought our members might find interesting. One of those we highlighted was a three part series on Conservation Grazing organised jointly by Plantlife and Post. Well, the second instalment of the three will be at 6pm on Thursday 13^th May and is introduced as follows:

“The aim of this session is to investigate how animals graze and browse. We will illustrate how different factors such as livestock type, breed, genetics, physiology, life stage and rearing systems shape the way animals use grassland habitats. We will look at the role of large herbivores in the ecosystem, the history of livestock farming and discuss the use of native and commercial breeds. 

PONT’s Emma Douglas will introduce the topic, drawing on a range of case studies, with assistance from speakers listed below. Emma is PONT’s Development Officer and facilitates grazing and associated management across South West Wales. She works with a range of audiences and is skilled in bringing people together, resolving issues and seeking grazing solutions on rural and urban sites. Emma grew up on the Gower Peninsula and continues to assist with the running of a small herd of Welsh Black cattle and horses at the family farm, where she also runs her successful small business ‘Gower Meadows Beef’.”

The other speakers are:

Owen Griffiths – Ilar Stud, Ceredigion. Owen grazes a wetland SSSI and a coastal grassland in west Wales, with his pedigree Welsh Mountain ponies. He will take us through the history of the Welsh Mountain pony and why they are suited to grazing semi-natural grasslands in west Wales.

Jane Bisset – Kennixton Flock, Vale of Glamorgan. Jane is a shepherd and spinner who specialises in primitive breed sheep. She sells wool products, sheepkins, lamb, hogget and mutton direct to customers. Her sheep graze at Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in Llanelli, where they help to create lapwing breeding habitat.

Amanda Evans – Caeau Mynydd Mawr Marsh Fritillary Project, a landscape-scale conservation in south east Carmarthenshire. Amanda has experience of using a range of breeds and species to manage marsh fritillary butterfly habitats in one of its remaining strongholds.

This should be a very informative and interesting session!  To register your interest, go to: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mV53o77_SM6eTa_UF4a5uw