Wild ponies grazing on the Long Mynd, Shropshire
According to the BBC, ponies have grazed on the Long Mynd at Church Stretton, Shropshire, for centuries. Another source in a recent daily newspaper said they were related to Welsh pit ponies. Wikipedia says there is evidence of organised management of the Long Mynd as a grazed common as long ago as the 13th century.
The Long Mynd Commoners’ ponies and sheep grazed here are hardy animals and are well adapted to the harsh conditions of life on the hill. They graze selectively and very close to the ground, leaving patches of long vegetation which benefits insects and small mammals. The Commoners are local farmers who have held grazing rights for perhaps many generations.
Wild ponies grazing on the Long Mynd, Shropshire
According to the BBC, ponies have grazed on the Long Mynd at Church Stretton, Shropshire, for centuries. Another source in a recent daily newspaper said they were related to Welsh pit ponies. Wikipedia says there is evidence of organised management of the Long Mynd as a grazed common as long ago as the 13th century.
The Long Mynd Commoners’ ponies and sheep grazed here are hardy animals and are well adapted to the harsh conditions of life on the hill. They graze selectively and very close to the ground, leaving patches of long vegetation which benefits insects and small mammals. The Commoners are local farmers who have held grazing rights for perhaps many generations.