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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

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.