By Lisa Ramsden
For over 30 years, a herd of semi-wild Exmoor ponies has been living off the land at Murlough National Nature Reserve, playing a special role as conservation heroes.
These beautiful, semi-wild animals are vital to maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem. By grazing on vegetation, they help create the diverse habitats that benefit the reserve’s wildlife.
Nine mares currently live within this picturesque setting. There are two generations of ponies, with the youngest aged 16 and the eldest 34.
However, their role is being jeopardised by well-meaning but harmful human behaviour—feeding them. While offering the crust from a sandwich, a carrot, a juicy apple, or even hay may seem harmless, the team at the National Trust and their vet, Newcastle’s Seán Rooney, have appealed for people to refrain. Despite good intentions, these treats are doing more harm than good.
These ponies play a vital role in the conservation of Murlough Nature Reserve through the traditional practice of conservation grazing, which allows rare plants and species to thrive. But visitors’ kindness is leading to serious health issues for the ponies.
They are at risk of weight gain, dental problems, and a crippling condition called laminitis, which affects their hooves and causes extreme pain, lameness, and permanent damage.
In the full article read more about why the ponies are there and about the threats they face.
