A NEW business offering miniature donkey walks around Moel Famau is now open to the public.

Moel Famau Donkeys recently launched its official opening for the 2023 season.

The celebration brought together staff, volunteers, local businesses, and organisations that have contributed to establishing the business within the past twelve months. This included visitors and their families taking the six miniature Mediterranean donkeys around the newly designed agility obstacle course at the site.

The idea of the business first started in lockdown. Owners Mathew and Sioned Davies, along with their young family, found that living near Moel Famau in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and having the opportunity to enjoy outdoor space, became such a huge benefit to their mental health and well-being.

"Sioned and I spent time walking the fields, which without doubt helped us to maintain our mental health at that difficult time," Matthew said.

"We would chat about how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful spot and how great it would be to share it with others, knowing the benefit we felt from being outdoors; but knew we had to offer something a little bit different."

With this in mind, they decided to set up a venture that would benefit others, and started to look at which animals with a calm nature could accompany people on nature walks, whilst blending into the landscape.

They contacted the Donkey Sanctuary and rehomed six miniature donkeys, Tilly, Nansi, Bess, Blodwen, Rosie and Polly, who all arrived in July 2021.

The Leader:

From June to August 2022, Moel Famau Donkeys ran a trial period to assess interest in the new project and were overwhelmed with the success.

"We found that the majority of visitors travelled from outside the county and many were going on to visit other attractions in the area such as pubs and shops," Matthew said.

"The trial also allowed us to employ local people on a part-time basis."

READ MORE: 

Following positive feedback from those that had taken part, Moel Famau Donkeys was shortlisted within the final four organisations of the ‘Best Rural Enterprise’ category at the Countryside Alliance Awards across Wales. It was highly commended at a ceremony in the Senedd.

As well as working with local community and education groups, charities and Not for Profit organisations, the site have also become official Natural Partners with the North Wales Wildlife Trust.

The Leader:

Moel Famau Donkeys officially opened on April 1 for a range of experiences including meet and greet, meet and short walk and meet and long walk. There are activities suitable for all ages, ranging from grooming and cuddles in the stable, to walks within the agility course paddock.

Visitors can continue along the mile long nature trail to take in the breath-taking views of Loggerheads, the Clwydian Range and the Wirral. The team have made updates to the site for this year’s launch including new signage, fencing and agility obstacles. Local artist, Margaret Mooney, has created a mural within the stables for both visitors and donkeys to enjoy.

Private bookings for adult and/or children’s groups can be accommodated. For further information, and for booking please visit www.moelfamaudonkeys.co.uk .