Exmoor ponies at home at Foremark

Ponies grazing at Foremark, Derbyshire — Ponies are supporting in conservation work as natural grazers | © National Trust/Emily Mabbott

A small herd of Exmoor ponies has arrived at Foremark, as part of our work to improve habitats and support wildlife. Find out how conservation grazing is helping nature thrive.

A small herd of Exmoor ponies has now arrived at Foremark, marking an exciting new chapter in our work to improve biodiversity across the landscape. Their introduction forms part of a long-term conservation programme delivered by the National Trust, in partnership with Severn Trent, and builds on the significant ecological gains achieved since we began caring for Foremark and nearby Staunton Harold in 2022.

An Exmoor pony arriving by trailer to Foremark, Derbyshire | © National Trust/Steve Franklin

Supporting nature through conservation grazing

The ponies are settling into a quiet area of the site where they'll begin their role as natural grazers. Over the past three years, the ranger team and volunteers have restored habitats across Foremark by carrying out extensive habitat restoration - including 100 hectares of woodland management and the return of 15.8 hectares of heathland, wetland and woodland into active conservation management. These improvements have already created richer, more diverse habitats for birds, bats, butterflies and other wildlife.

With this foundation in place, the landscape is now ready for conservation grazing. Exmoor ponies, one of Britain's oldest native breeds, are ideally suited to this work. Their gentle, selective grazing helps to maintain a varied structure in the grasslands, creating the right conditions for wildflowers to flourish and supporting a wider range of species. Their introduction represents a milestone in the ongoing work to restore and sustain Foremark's natural environment.

A partnership helping nature to thrive

The arrival of the ponies demonstrates the success of the partnership between the National Trust and Severn Trent. While Severn Trent continues to manage water operations at the reservoirs at Foremark and Staunton Harold, the National Trust leads on habitat restoration and visitor experience. Together, we have focused on improving woodland health, planting wildlflowers, enhancing access routes and monitoring the recovering wildlife. The improvements to biodiversity made so far have been essential in preparing the landscape for conservation grazing.

Ponies grazing in woodland at Foremark, Derbyshire — Ponies grazing in woodland at Barn Owl Meadow, at Foremark, Derbyshire | © National Trust/Paul Simpson

Where and when you might see the ponies

Now that they've arrived, the ponies will remain in an area not accessible to the public, while they adjust to their new surroundings. You're most likely to see them from early spring, when they'll begin grazing in other areas of the site, including some walking routes.

To help the ponies settle safely and remain semi-wild, please admire them from a distance, keep dogs on short leads and avoid feeding or touching them. If you come across the ponies while walking, the best approach is to give them space and allow them to continue their natural behaviour. Anyone encountering ponies on a path is advised to keep a respectful distance, keep dogs under close control, and wait calmly for the ponies to move on, rather than trying to pass through.

Continuing Foremark's nature recovery story

The introduction of Exmoor ponies is part of a long-term plan to improve the health and resilience of the landscape at Foremark. Their presence will support the habitat work already underway and help ensure the site continues to thrive for wildlife and visitors alike. While the ponies begin their important grazing work over the winter, you can continue to enjoy Foremark's walking routes, views and natural features throughout the seasons.