TV wildlife presenter Iolo Williams has given his backing to a campaign to preserve a Monmouthshire flower meadow.

"The Monmouth-shire Meadows Group is hoping to buy Kingcoed Meadows, 12 acres of flower-rich grassland," said Iolo.

"Safeguarding these fields with their colourful array of plants will ensure that they can be enjoyed by future generations. Please give generously to help this worthwhile appeal."

Charity Monmouthshire Meadows Group (MMG) has launched its appeal for funds to help purchase two fields of native wildflowers at Kingcoed, near Raglan.

The group now has 271 members, with a combined land-ownership of more than 700 acres. MMG offers advice and botanical training to anyone wanting to restore hay meadows or create wild areas on their land – whether that's a whole field or a small garden.

"This is a rare and exciting opportunity to ensure the future of a very special wildlife site for the benefit of the county and for educational use," said Stephanie Tyler, chair of the Meadows Group.

"We are extremely grateful to the current owners for delaying their sale to allow us time to raise funds to acquire them.

"The meadows will only get better year on year and they are a wonderful source of food for wildlife."

MMG is determined to safeguard the future of the beautiful, species-rich hay meadows. They have been sympathetically managed by their current owners for twelve years. 

As a result, Spotted Orchids, Southern Marsh Orchids, Knapweed, Common Cat's Ear, Rough Hawkbit, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Tufted Vetch and many other plants have colonised and spread. 

This abundance of wild flowers attracts many bees, butterflies and other insects as well as birds and small mammals.

The plan is for the fields to continue being traditionally managed and will provide a valuable educational resource for schools and colleges.

Public open days will allow visitors to get close to these attractive flowers which sadly are rapidly disappearing elsewhere from our countryside.

Iolo said: "When I was a young lad growing up in mid-Wales, flower-rich hay meadows were a common sight throughout the land.

"Today, however, we have lost over 98 per cent of this wildlife-rich habitat and it is vital that we do everything possible to protect the few meadows that remain."

There have already been pledges of money from several individuals and the group has applied to a number of trusts and conservation funds for grants towards the purchase.

If MMG fails to reach their target of £96,000, the meadows at Kingcoed may be sold for general farming and this unique habitat could become just another agricultural field devoid of wildflowers and wild-life.

"MMG is a supporter of Bee Friendly Monmouthshire", said Stephanie, "so ensuring the long-term future of Kingcoed Meadows will be another valuable life-line for bees and butterflies in our beautiful and increasingly conservation-minded county.'

If you would like to find out more about the Kingcoed Meadows Appeal, or become a member of MMG, visit the website: http://www.monmouthshire">www.monmouthshire

meadows.org.uk or telephone Stephanie Tyler 01600 719890.

Pictured are members of MMG at the meadow in Kingcoed.