Visitors to Wicken Fen can experience a close encounter with the fen's beautiful Konik ponies with Grazing Warden, Carol Laidlaw on Saturday 15 May.

Carol will be leading a guided Konik Pony Walk to share her unrivalled knowledge of the ponies and an opportunity to see the three baby foals, Paul, Willow and Basil, who were born in March.

Thirteen Konik ponies were introduced to Wicken Fen in 2001; the herd has now grown to over 40 animals with further foals expected over the next few weeks. Carol can recognise each one individually from their distinctive markings.

Selected for their robust hardy nature the Konik ponies were brought to Wicken Fen as part of an extensive grazing project. Extensive grazing is a traditional low cost natural way of managing land which helps to create a variety of habitats for the thousands of species of wildlife that inhabits Wicken Fen and the wider Vision lands. Extensive grazing is typified by a low animal density of around one animal per two hectares (five acres) so that vegetation does not become overgrazed.

Tickets for the Konik Pony Walk are available from the Wicken Fen Visitor Centre on 01353 720274.

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Notes to Editors

1. A minimum age of 7 years is advised for the Konik Pony Walk.

2. Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve runs a full programme of recreational and educational events throughout the year. An Events brochure is available from the Wicken Fen Visitor Centre - Tel 01353 720274 or can be viewed online

3. Launched in 1999, the Wicken Fen Vision is a 100 year project by the National Trust to create a 56 sq km 'green lung' for Cambridgeshire and the East of England and will involve the Trust acquiring approximately 5600 hectares of farmland which will be managed for nature conservation. The Trust aims to re-establish a mosaic of fenland habitats helping to protect many threatened and endangered species of wildlife whilst attracting new species to the area. The reserve will also significantly enhance public access to the countryside for leisure, recreation, exercise and education.

4. The National Trust is Europe's biggest conservation organisation and looks after special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland for ever, for everyone. People and places are at the heart of everything it does. 3.5 million members, 50,000 volunteers, 500,000 school children, and millions of visitors, donors and supporters help the Trust look after its 300 historic houses and gardens, 700 miles of coastline and 250,000 hectares of open countryside. www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Further Information