Hay Meadows in North Wales

The Greater butterfly orchids had gone to seed but Caeau Tan-y-Bwlch was or were looking great.

It was a hay meadow celebration day on these traditional fields overlooking the coast from above Clynnog Fawr. The fields are owned by Plantlife, managed by the North Wales Wildlife Trust and recent recipients of funding from the Nature Fund which has covered various works such as fencing so that the land can be effectively grazed. AGAP (Anglesey Grazing Animals Partnership) was on hand to offer advice on the management of hay meadows. 

A man from SABI (Scything Association of Britain & Ireland) had driven from Norfolk and was helping people perfect their technique; the swish, swish of a scythe is so soothing.

The hay meadows were not quite ready for mowing, some seeds have yet to ripen, but now was a good time for practice and inspiration with several species still in bloom. Once mown, the hay will be baled and used to help seed more meadows.

Children were being instructed in the art of butterfly netting but as you will see, Hilary loses their attention!

Anglesey Grazing Animals Partnership

Slow maturing, organic, conservation grazing, traditional breeds, fresh air from the Atlantic - it all builds up into a recipe of clear conscience, tasty meat. This is what you get when you buy meat with the AGAP logo. Hilary Kehoe explains the work of the Anglesey Grazing Animals Partnership.

South Stack – tradition, technology and winter coffee

In the good old days, when land was common, farmers would move with their livestock, protecting them from wolves, and guide them to better grazing.  The same process of close shepherding is happening each autumn on the RSPB reserve at South Stack. It’s a practical approach to control the sheep without fencing in 500 acres of land. 

Each morning the shepherd collects the mixed flock of Hebridean, Welsh mountain and badger face sheep from an enclosure. By the time he arrives they are waiting at the gate, keen to be out for breakfast.

Before setting off a small GPS system is fixed with sticky tape round the horn of a large ewe. At the end of the day the device is removed and the data downloaded to a PC for analysis and creation of a map showing the grazing route of the flock.

It’s all part of the work that goes into maintaining and enhancing the heathland for the benefit of the heath and all it supports including choughs and silver studded blues.  A great sight to see, this tradition re-introduced. Thanks to, amongst others, Hilary Kehoe of the Anglesey Grazing Animals Partnership.

What’s more the RSPB have acquired the café and are keeping it open during the winter. On a blustery day a warming cup of coffee is very welcome. 

For more information about South Stacks click here

For more information about conservation grazing on Anglesey click here