A PROJECT has been launched to look after the future of and better manage patches of moorland in Mid Wales.

The Rhos Pasture Restoration Project’s official launch event welcomed people from across the farming and wildlife communities to the Willow Globe Theatre, near Rhayader, to listen, discuss and share thoughts and ideas on the future of rhos pasture.

The two-year sustainable management scheme, managed by the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust (RWT) and funded by the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, is working with local landowners to identify areas of rhos pasture habitat which could be better managed for wildlife, for people and for agriculture.

Rhos pasture is marshy grassland with purple moor grass and rushes as the dominant vegetation. It is common across the UK, where it is known by other names including ‘wet lawns’ and ‘culm meadow’. It can be found at a range of altitudes, but is particularly prevalent in the south Wales coalfield, with over one third of the total are of this habitat in Wales found in Glamorgan and Carmarthenshire.

Joining members of staff and trustees from the RWT at the event were representatives from the local farming community, Rhayader by Nature, CARAD, NFU Cymru, the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group, Natural Resources Wales, Elan Links, Three Parishes for the Common Good, and local councillors.

A walk out to the Willow Globe’s rhos pasture generated important discussion on the future of farming, managing land for public good and for the benefit of wildlife. The project will be carrying out several feasibility studies to better understand the potential ways in which rhos pasture can be sustainably managed. It is hoped that these studies along with the survey data from management techniques and ecological monitoring will help inform future farming policy and support systems, enabling this habitat to thrive for future generations.

Alongside the land management element of the project there is also a strong focus on community arts and heritage. Local artist Jane Titley led a printmaking activity during the event, using the range of colours found within a rhos pasture habitat as inspiration.

Lucy Morton, the Rhos Pasture Restoration Project manager, said: “It was wonderful to gather farmers and landowners who have managed rhos for many years and learn from their experience.

“The future management of this agriculturally marginal but very important wildlife habitat was discussed and the benefits it can bring to the local community.”