Podcast: Sounds of wild horses
Why do we have wild horses on Langeland? Listen to Max Dinesen talk about the daily life and activities of his colleagues, i.e. the wild horses.
The sound of wild horses
In THE SOUND OF WILD HORSES, we focus on the origins of Exmoor ponies and the purpose of grazing. The horses are looked after by caretaker Max Dinesen, who talks about the Danish Nature Agency's project at Bagenkop and what the horses are actually used for.
Activities
The horses help to maintain the natural environment in the area and create a balance among the different plant species that grow here.
If the area were not maintained by horses or other livestock or machines, it would become overgrown with brambles and we would not be able to enjoy walking here. Can you imagine what it would look like if you were standing knee-deep in brambles? In a few hundred years, it would all become a huge forest. The horses prevent this by “mowing the grass” so that light can reach the ground, where lots of beautiful and rare flowers and plants can grow.
Try to count how many different flowers you can find on your walk – have you seen them before?
Please note that some plant species are protected and therefore may not be picked.
You can also go down to the water and find stones. Perhaps you can build/draw your own horse with the incredibly round pebbles you find along the coast at Dovns Klint?