Re Grazing on Bryn Euryn

Congratulations to Mrs K Williams for her published letter in todays Pioneer. This letter has also been forwarded to us and has been sent to the local papers:

My husband and I have been farming for 50 years and have kept cattle, sheep and goats and horses, ponies and donkeys throughout this time, and know that keeping animals in the confined areas proposed, and with unlimited public access and very limited supervision would never work.
Due to the size of the proposed grazing areas and the type of grass, even 2 or 3 ponies would require supplementary feeding after about 3 weeks. The cost of eleven gates and all the fencing, (you can't just use barbed wire where the public has access) would run into many thousands of pounds. A water supply would need to be provided, and need to be tamperproof to prevent soiling or small children drowning. Shelter from the elements and flies would also need to be provided and the areas would need to be cleared of the large amount of ragwort which is extremely poisonous to ponies and donkeys.
The shallow soil would soon be exposed due to hooves cutting through the grass roots, leading to erosion and thus long term damage.
The animals would be open to abuse caused by mis-feeding by some well-meaning members of the public, ponies fed tit-bits often become very demanding or even aggressive and someone could be kicked or bitten.
As retired farmers we have experienced first hand all the above points and feel that no responsible animal owner would graze animals in such a location when there are plenty of more suitable places to rent for £10 -£15 per animal per week. Due to the strength of public feeling against the proposal any gates and fencing are likely to be demolished as fast as they are put up and the timber used on the many camp fires that regularly appear in the woods.
How would the emergency services get up to an injured person or animal? It would be very difficult to negotiate a kissing gate while carrying a stretcher.
A vast amount of public money should not be spent on a whim, which when investigated, is an obvious non starter, when the cry is, there is not enough money for police, schools and hospitals.

Thank you for this informed letter. Most of us have no practical experience of keeping livestock so a farmers views are very welcome.