TV wildlife presenter Iolo Williams is backing an appeal to raise £96,000 to preserve a rare wildflower meadow near Raglan.

The charity Monmouthshire Meadows Group is hoping to raise the cash to buy Kingcoed Meadows- a 12-acre site of flower-rich grassland.

The fields have been sympathetically managed by their current owners for 12 years.

Among the plants that have colonised and spread are Spotted Orchids, Southern Marsh Orchids, Knapweed, Common Cat’s Ear, Rough Hawkbit, Tufted Vetch and Bird’s-foot Trefoil.

The abundance of wildflowers attracts many bees, butterflies and other insects as well as birds and small mammals.

Mr Williams said: “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.”

Monmouthshire Meadows Group was founded in 2003 and works to promote the conservation, protection and improvement of hay meadows, grasslands and unimproved pastures in the Wye Valley and elsewhere in Monmouthshire.

Stephanie Tyler, the charity’s chairwoman, added: “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.”

“We are extremely grateful to the current owners for delaying their sale to allow us time to raise funds to acquire them,” she added.

If the charity can raise the funds needed, the fields will be traditionally managed and provide a valuable educational resource for schools and colleges.

Public open days will allow visitors to get close to the flowers, which the charity said are rapidly disappearing elsewhere from the countryside.

“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,” explained Mr Williams.

The group is planning several fundraising events, including an open garden at Veddw House, Devauden, on August 8.

If the group fails to reach its target the meadow may be sold for general farming and a unique habitat lost.

Ms Tyler added: “MMG is a supporter of Bee Friendly Monmouthshire so ensuring the long-term future of Kingcoed Meadows will be another valuable lifeline for bees and butterflies in our beautiful and increasingly conservation-minded county.”

To find out more about the Kingcoed Meadows Appeal or to become a member visit monmouthshiremeadows.org.uk or contact Stephanie Tyler on 01600 719 890.