Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Donkeys benefit from Welsh government funding
The £15m extra funding will go towards projects like Ffarm Moelyci.

Round two of Nature Networks Fund open for applications.

The Welsh government has opened round two of the Nature Networks Programme to improve biodiversity, with £15 million funding available to applicants.

Helping Wales' natural habitats and creatures to thrive, the funding is available to landowners and managers working with natural heritage in Wales, allowing for better management of sites, and improvements to be made.

In round one of the funding, one site that benefitted was Ffarm Moelyci, situated on the outskirts of Snowdonia National Park. 

The farm, which will be applying for the second round of funding, uses rescue donkeys to graze grassland and control invasive bracken.

Ruth Stronge, project leader at Ffarm Moelyci, said: “The donkeys are happy, our volunteers and visitors are happy, our environment is thriving – it’s win-win-win!

“We take great care at Ffarm Moelyci to manage the land as best we can, especially as the farm is an important site that connects historic pasture land to our prized Snowdonia National Park.

“The donkeys have converted a field covered in gorse scrub into an oasis of orchids and butterflies which can spread to nearby farms too.”

Welsh government minister for Climate Change, Julie James, welcomed the work done at Ffarm Moelyci, and encouraged those working with natural heritage in Wales to apply: “Bad land management can mean disastrous consequences not only for our ecology, but for the health of the people of Wales. 

“But look what good land management can achieve – with a bit of help our plants, wildlife and communities can thrive!

“Thank-you Ruth, and all those at Ffarm Moelyci – including the donkeys- for your inspirational work. 

“I’d like to encourage all landowners and managers to please apply for this funding pot through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, so you can help leave behind a Wales that is bountiful in biodiversity to our future generations.”

Applications are now open for funding, to find out more visit the Heritage Fund website

 

Image (C) Ffarm Moelyci / Welsh Government

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.