Exmoor Pony Grazing Project

One of our aims is to ensure that key grassland sites within the AONB are managed in such a way that their ecological value is retained and, where possible, enhanced.
Much grassland has been lost to ploughing, re-seeding, fertilising or herbicide treatment, drainage or tree encroachment. The remaining unimproved grassland sites are small and isolated, yet rich in wild grasses and flowers.
Exmoor ponies are used for grazing as they can cope with wet conditions and break up coarse vegetation that normal farm livestock wouldn't touch. It is very important however that the sites are not overgrazed or grazed at the wrong times. Flowers need to set seed and areas should be left undisturbed for ground nesting birds.

Work has included erecting fencing to allow grazing, erecting new gates to improve access and installing water troughs. The Yorkshire Exmoor Pony Trust provides the ponies. They are a charitable organisation run by volunteers who have a particular interest in protecting the Exmoor Pony and ensuring the sound management of important wildlife and landscape sites. The continued support of the landowners has also been crucial to the success of the project. So far seven sites have become part of this grazing project set up by the AONB Unit.

News Posted: 20 June 2006