Herd of Exmoor ponies make their home in South Derbyshire in a bid to boost biodiversity of landscape

VISITORS to a landmark site in South Derbyshire may spot a few new faces on the landscape - a small herd of hardy Exmoor ponies.

- By TELEGRAPH REPORTER

Part of the small herd of Exmoor ponies at Foremark

The animals were introduced to Foremark as part of ongoing efforts by the National Trust and Severn Trent to boost biodiversity across the site.

The arrival of the ponies marks the latest chapter in a successful partnership between the two organisations, which began in 2022 when the National Trust took on responsibility for managing nature conservation and visitor experience at both Foremark and Staunton Harold reservoirs, while Severn Trent continues to manage water operations.

Over the past two years, this collaboration has already led to significant improvements in biodiversity.

The ranger team and volunteers have transformed key areas of Foremark and Staunton Harold, including 100 hectares of woodland management and the restoration of 15.8 hectares of heathland, wetland and woodland back into active conservation management.