Members of the public are being given the opportunity to sponsor one of Wicken Fen’s famous Konik ponies.
For £25 a year, sponsors will receive a certificate, a regular newsletter, entrance to competitions and the opportunity to join Wicken’s grazing rangers on walks to see the 87-strong herd of ponies.
A launch event is being held at Wicken Fen this Saturday and Sunday, when Wicken’s rangers will be answering questions and leading guided walks to see the ponies at 2pm on both days.
The Konik ponies were introduced to Wicken Fen for an extensive grazing programme implemented as part of the Wicken Fen Vision, the trust’s 100 plan to create a nature reserve stretching from Wicken Fen to the outskirts of Cambridge.
The ponies are helping to create and maintain habitats for Wicken’s wildlife, including some of Britain’s most endangered species.
The Konik Polski is a hardy primitive breed originating from Eastern Europe. The breed was chosen for its ability to thrive in a wetland environment and have been used to help manage nature reserves right across Europe.
Originally confined to Adventurers’ Fen, separate herds have now been established on Verrall’s and Burwell Fen in recent years.
Application forms for the sponsorship scheme are available from the Wicken Fen visitor centre or by e-mailing wicken.koniks@nationaltrust.org.uk
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