Ponies making 'an important contribution' to Shoreham nature reserve's future
A herd of ponies are making ‘an important contribution’ to the future of a Shoreham nature reserve.
The Exmoor ponies were tasked with tackling overgrowth and invasive species at Mill Hill earlier this year.
Adur District Council (ADC) said the ponies ‘are looking very much at home’ and have been ‘chewing their way through the scrub and vegetation that has begun to dominate the reserve’.
An ADC spokesperson said: “Their grazing is helping to open up the chalk grassland, creating space for a wider variety of wildflowers, plants and insects to thrive.
"It’s a natural, gentle way of managing this precious landscape – and one that can help Mill Hill become even more biodiverse.
“The ponies, supplied by Longbridge, are part of our partnership with South Downs National Park Authority, using grazing as an important tool in our nature recovery work.
“After the Herdwick sheep made such a positive impact last autumn and winter, the Exmoors are now taking their turn through the summer, before the sheep return later in the year.
“It’s wonderful to see them looking so settled while making such an important contribution to the future of this special place.”
The authority reminded locals to ‘enjoy watching the ponies from a respectful distance, keep dogs under close control and close the gates behind you.’.