Radnorshire Wildlife Trust is pleased to announce the launch of this new project funded through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Rhos Pasture is an important habitat which has dropped out of agricultural management over recent years.  This wildlife and heritage project seeks to get it back into traditional management to benefit both local farmers and landowners, and the local wildlife. 

Rhos pasture has traditionally been areas of species-rich grass and rush pastures.  It is essentially marshy grassland usually managed by low level grazing of cattle.  Its varied structure supports internationally important wildlife.

The long tough grasses and rushes can provide cover for snipe and curlew.  It also supports important and rare species of butterfly including the small pearl-bordered fritillary, and the marsh fritillary.  The marsh fritillary is thought to be extinct in the county, and this species and its recovery in Radnorshire is one of the aims of the project.

This project will carry out studies to formulate best practice options for managing rhos pasture and will be a pilot study to inform the rhos pasture management across Wales.

Viv Geen, the Rhos Pasture Restoration Project Manager, says  “It is exciting to be part of this project because it not only assesses the ecology of rhos pasture and its agricultural benefits, but it also includes an art and heritage aspect. This will involve the local communities within Radnorshire; their memories of rhos pasture and how it inspires them.”

A Community Arts and Heritage Officer will soon join the project and will coordinate events and exhibitions around the county. Covid-19 will have an impact on the events on the ground initially, but digital events will feature throughout the year.

Volunteers will be needed to help with both the ecological surveys and the arts and heritage activities.  If you would like to help with this interesting project, or if you have a Radnorshire rhos pasture in your ownership that you would like to tell us about, please contact Viv Geen on viv@rwtwales.org

For more information on the European Commission's European Agricultural Fund for Rural Dvelopment (EAFRD), please click here.