What animals you would not have seen in Wales in the Middle Ages
Wales, with its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, is home to a diverse array of wildlife, but many animals would not have been around in the Middle Ages. Can you guess some of them?
Image by Pixamio from Pixabay
Rabbits: It is thought that our friends, the Normans, introduced rabbits to Britain after the Norman Conquest. They only became commonplace after the thirteenth century.
Image by WagnerAnne from Pixabay
Muntjac Deer: The Muntjac deer in Wales came from escapees from Woburn Abbey around 1925. They were originally from Asia but seem to like Welsh woodlands!
Image by Pixamio from Pixabay
Grey Squirrel: The grey squirrel is adorable to watch but has significantly impacted native red squirrels through competition for resources and the spread of squirrel pox. It was introduced to Britain in the late 1800s and spread rapidly.
American Mink: Fur farmers brought American mink to Britain, but they had a taste for the wild and a skill for escape. They settled down happily along coastal areas, rivers, and lakes. Sadly, American mink prey on birds, water voles, and fish, decreasing native species.
If you would like to immerse yourself in the time of Wales in the Middle Ages, you might enjoy ‘The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter’ and ‘The Welsh Warrior’s Inheritance’.