A magical Anglesey island has become a little more enchanting with the arrival of wild ponies to help with local conservation. As the normally shy ponies have settled and begun breeding, they’re becoming more accustomed to the holidaymakers who visit the place.
This summer they have been happy to share their beaches on Ynys Llanddwyn, often cited as the most romantic place in Wales. On warmer days they even join sunbathers on the sand, rolling in it to cool down.
The extraordinary sight, and the reaction of bemused visitors, was captured by Conwy photographer Chloe Hughes. She was on hand as the herd galloped onto a beach near Llanddwyn’s famous lighthouse, Goleudy Tŵr Mawr.
“They all came flying over the dunes onto the beach,” she said. “Not once were they bothered by the locals and holidaymakers sunbathing and swimming.
“One guy did get too close when he took a video. They all just froze for a short time until he left.
“They were so calm and one even dropped to the ground in front of three women to roll around in the sand. After a while they all headed back up the dues onto the island.”
Ynys Llanddwyn, a small tidal island off the west coast of Anglesey, was this week listed in the top five places in the UK for summer views. It’s reached through Newborough Forest which is bounded on three sides by a National Nature Reserve, the first in Wales in 1955.
Wild ponies are used to manage the grass and scrub on the nature reserve’s dunes. In doing so, they’ve joined forces with the rabbits that give Newborough Warren its name.
Originally introduced by the Romans as a food source, at one time more than 100,000 rabbits were taken from the Warren each year. When the Myxamatosis outbreak of the 1950s decimated the local population, vegetation began to recolonise the dunes – so livestock and, more recently, ponies were brought in to control it.
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They are Carneddau ponies, tough little beasts that are genetically distinct from the familiar Welsh mountain pony. They carry genes for hardiness and waterproofing, enabling them to survive all weathers, and they are less picky eaters than domestic ponies, so are ideal for conservation.
Each November the ponies are collected off the mountains of North Wales by the Carneddau Pony Society, a group of local farmers. To prevent overgrazing on the hills, draft mares, colt foals and surplus fillies are sold. Many are destined for life as conservation animals.
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As Chloe volunteers for the annual round-up above Llanfairfechan, she has been keeping an eye on the ponies now grazing Ynys Llanddwyn and the wider nature reserve. Her photos left people vowing to make a trip to the island, where newborn foals are now swelling the herd.
“I could have cried!” said one woman on seeing the pictures. “They are such beautiful creatures.” Another added: “Omg there are wild horses roaming there!”
Despite their human encounters, the ponies are unbroken and remain more or less wild. Some are still nervous, others more adventurous. A few are even friendly - and all are undeniably magical.
- More of Chloe’s wonderful views of North Wales can be found on her Facebook page.