Two donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary are playing a key role in wildflower meadow conservation by being walked through a wildflower field each afternoon.

The Donkey Sanctuary has been exploring ways that donkeys can help manage habitats, which in turn benefit the donkeys as they live in a more enriched environment.

Last summer Paddy and Kelley were walked through the same wildflower meadow each afternoon, as part of their training and exercise. It was hoped that the donkey's disturbances and footfall would help knock off seeds from the flowers, help impress the seeds into the soil and improve conditions for germination in spring.

Bee orchid (Credit: The Donkey Sanctuary)

The theory proved to be correct, and this year there is an improved display of orchids in the field, thanks to the donkeys. 

This summer The Donkey Sanctuary's conservation team have counted record numbers of both bee and spotted orchids. As well as this, the southern marsh orchid and ragged robin orchid have been recorded the field for the very first time.

Conservation activities form big part of the Donkey Sanctuary's activities. Volunteers work alongside the conservation team to encourage wildlife and increase biodiversity. For example, in order to limit the disturbance caused, traditional scythes are used to cut grasses rather than modern machinery.

The Donkey Sanctuary provides a habitat for a range of insects, birds and mammals. Visitors to the Sidmouth site include common carder bee, hoverflies, small skipper, marbled white and common blue butterflies, skylarks, linnets, as well as bats, including the brown long-eared bat, greater horseshoe bat and serotine.

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