Exmoors gallop to the rescue
Exmoor ponies will be the “mane attraction” at a wildlife reserve after a herd was drafted in as caretakers of its turf.
Ten wild horses – including one named Horace McHorseface – have arrived at Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve after a campaign raised £13,000 to fund the conservation and management project.
They will spend three months grazing on the land before moving to another of Durham Wildlife Trust’s locations to repeat the process.
The animals have been brought from Exmoor to manage its population and prevent inbreeding, with each of the geldings chosen with the help of the Moorland Mousie Trust.
Exmoors were picked because they are hardy and light on their hooves, protecting the ground.
Peter Stranney, of the DWT, said: “We’ll start to see their personalities coming out over the next few weeks as we get to know them.
“The staff have been very excited about their arrival, there’s been a real buzz and we think we’ll see an increase in visitors.
“It was lovely to see them coming off the trailer and they’ve begun to get their bearings.”
Supporters were able to name a pony in return for a £250 donation.
Horace McHorseface, named by 1st Great Lumley Beavers group, was inspired by the Boaty McBoatface name suggested for a polar research vessel.
He is joined by Nicola’s Boy, Dixon, Wally, Lopper, Luna, David, Robin, Mimi, Jonah, Barley and Spedan.
The target for the purchase and transport plans was set at £9,200, but that was topped, helping to buy a trailer to take them from reserve to reserve, with a welfare fund now running.
Funders include The John Spedan Lewis Foundation, with £4,500, the Schroder Charity Trust, which gave £1,500, and trust members Robin and Sue Laycock, who donated £2,500.