Dartmoor ponies support biodiversity through grazing

The "mosaic" grazing patterns of Dartmoor ponies have driven ecological change and increased habitat diversity, a new photographic study has found.

Repeatedly returning to the same areas, the ponies have prevented the growth of restrictive grass species, allowing other plants to establish on the moorland.

The ponies grazing at Bellever have left visible changes on the Devon landscape, whilst supporting habitat diversity.

Photographer Malcolm Snelgrove, who has been studying the herd, said: "The evidence is already written into the landscape. The paths cut through the grass. The changes in structure. The return of heather."

Having grazed Bellever since 2008, the Dartmoor pony breed is able to thrive on rough terrain and utilise vegetation other livestock may avoid.

The study highlighted a reduction in the restrictive grass species, Molinia - allowing other plants, such as heather to establish on the moorland.

Plants in the grazed areas were also recorded as 79% healthy, compared to approximately 43% in ungrazed sites.

Snelgrove said: "The work taking place on Dartmoor is part of a much wider conversation about how grazing animals can support nature.

"As similar discussions emerge globally around biodiversity, land management and grazing pressure, what we are seeing here has relevance far beyond Dartmoor."

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