Ponies, Potholes and Perfection!

Lark and Taurus, the two Exmoor ponies, have done a great job up at Plover's pool but their 'strimming' services were required eleswhere on the reserve. They were moved to one of the heathland paddocks today in order to manage some of the long grasses that are competing with the heather. Catching them proved to be a lot easier than anticipated, thanks to Emma's carrot sticks! Lark was happier to wear a headcollar than Taurus (on the left) who took a little more persuasion to folllow.

 They behaved exceptionally well on the lead ropes as they wound their way along the woodland footpath between the different habitats.

On arrival at their new field, they had a good run about and tested out their new diet!

They soon settled down and began their important conservation role; to remove unwanted vegetation!

Volunteers helped with many tasks today including clearing the moss from the field centre gutters, planting Globeflowers, strimming footpaths, checking nest boxes and fixing the potholes in the main track. 

Another main challenge was the installation of over twenty new signs to remind visitors that dogs must be kept on leads. This was done with great precision and perfection!

Keeping dogs on leads is especially important at this time of year because there are many species of ground nesting birds on the nature reserve.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this another productive day, you can see the difference that has been made to both the wildlife habitats and the visitor experience.