Information issued by Conwy Countryside and Rights of Way Service

In the interest of providing balanced information please see below the handout the Council prepared for the first meeting of the Bryn Euryn User Association.

What's being looked into at Bryn Euryn and why?

Bryn Euryn Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is also designated as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) due to its species rich calcareous grassland which supports a range of special flora and fauna. As such the local authority has a duty to manage this site to best maintain the grasslands whilst also managing the site for public enjoyment.

The reason for looking into the feasibility of introducing grazing to maintain the grassland is that this would reduce the invasion of 'improved' species such as ryegrass and prevent scrub encroachment. The action of grazing animals would be different from just cutting and raking off (which is the current management practice at this site), it would help encourage species diversity and the dung provides food for up to 16 different types of insect.

Types of grazing system being investigated as part of the feasibility study

Possibly five ponies/donkeys grazing in each of one or possibly two meadow areas, each for possibly two months in the spring and possibly a further four months in the late summer/early autumn.

The feasibility study will consider how this works at other sites with public access.
Cost and types of fencing for livestock plus longterm maintenance of this will need to be considered as part of the study. For example, the design of the fencing and gates could be laid out to avoid pinch points and corners where contact between people and ponies could occur. Gates could be suitable for access for the less able and pushchairs where appropriate.

Animal welfare to be considered as part of the feasibility study

A grazier would have overall responsibility for the welfare of any livestock. On some other sites volunteer lookers, trained through PONT on one or two day courses, have helped to support the grazier by checking the animals when they are walking in the area.

The feasibility of a water supply and shelter will need to be considered. A bowser may be a suitable water supply. Again this would need to be investigated.

Grazing policies are prepared for public sites with grazing. Examples from other sites are available.

Public access and dogs to be considered as part of the feasibility study

As a Local Nature Reserve it is recognised that this is an important area for the local community and general public for recreation. The feasibility study will have to be aware of this. There should ideally be no reduction in access for people or dogs. On some other sites it has been found that ponies avoid the more public areas in the day and graze them when they are quiet.

Dogs however should always be under control on sites with public access even if they are not on a lead. PONT is able to fund training for dog owners to help them to teach their dogs to behave with livestock. Skills learned through these courses can be useful when walking anywhere in the countryside.

The feasibility study will need to take into consideration the use of the site by the local community alongside the needs of the grasslands in terms of maintaining the botanical interest of the site. It will also need to consider issues such as anti social behaviour at the site, cost implications of management regimes, availability of graziers, health and safety.... alongside much more.

At present no decision has been made to introduce grazing livestock to Bryn Euryn Local Nature Reserve, the feasibility of this is being investigated.

Case studies of other sites are available on request from Hilary Kehoe.
Anglesey Grazing Animals Partnership
Ynys Mon Local Grazing Scheme Coordinator
NWWT Office,
376 High Street,
Bangor.
Gwynedd.
LL57 1YE

Phone: 07726358228
E-mail: agap@wildlifetrustswales.orq
Website: agap-ynysmon.co.uk

If you have further queries specific to Bryn Euryn LNR please contact the staff at

Conwy Countryside and Rights of Way Service:

Alun Jones alun.rhys.jones@conwy.gov.uk

Helen Jowett helen.jowett@conwy.gov.uk

Tom Gravett tom.gravett@conwy.gov.uk