They may look like they’re just horsing around, but the latest additions to the grounds of Carew Castle are helping to keep the balance of nature stable at the historic site.

Shetland ponies have been brought in by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority as four-legged conservationists, and are enjoying all the attention they receive from visitors.

The friendly creatures belong to a local family who live near the castle.

Said Carew Castle manager, Daisy Hughes: “As well as keeping the grass down over the winter months, the ponies help the National Park Authority to care for important wildlife habitats, providing food for dung beetles which in turn feed the greater horseshoe bats which can be found at Carew Castle.

“Bats and ponies are just some of the wildlife to see around the castle and millpond, with a kingfisher amongst the most recent species spotted.

“The National Park Authority also employs horses as four-legged nature conservationists in other places too, from the coastal slopes around Cemaes Head to the heathland on St Davids Airfield.

“We have a range of evening tours and events taking place at Carew Castle over half term and Hallowe’en for visitors to learn more about the site, its history, the wildlife and the ghostly goings on.”