Donkeys do their part for broader rewilding conservation project

The residents of The Donkey Sanctuary are playing a key role in helping wildflowers grow at the charity’s base in Devon

Two of The Donkey Sanctuary’s residents, Paddy and Kelley, enjoy regular walks through the charity’s wildflower meadow in Sidmouth to support their training and keep them active. However, unbeknown to the donkeys, they’re also part of a wider rewilding scheme, too.

Ben Hart, The Donkey Sanctuary’s animal behaviourist, begins: “Donkeys evolved to walk long distances searching for food. Walking more and exploring new environments creates opportunities to meet the donkeys’ natural needs, which in turn helps to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.”

But their strolls don’t just benefit them – they’re supporting wildflower growth, too. As they walk, they disturb the plants and spread seeds around the meadow. They also push seeds into the soil with their hooves, helping the meadow grow back next year. The meadow’s full of pollinators and wildlife, so supporting it is a crucial part of maintaining the local ecosystems.

Ecology and Conservation Manager Ruth Angell said: “Wildflower meadows are one of several types of habitats that we’re trying to improve here at the sanctuary.

“As part of our conservation work, we’re exploring ways in which donkeys can help us manage habitats, and in turn benefit from living in an enriched environment. Biodiversity is essential for supporting life and natural processes which make our environment more resilient.”

This isn’t the first time the charity’s residents have helped with conservation. For the last three years, donkeys have grazed the grassland in the sanctuary’s Weston Valley. They also grazed another wildflower meadow this summer, which is usually managed manually by volunteers and should be improved thanks to the donkeys’ hard work.

For more information, visit thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk