A project to restore heathland habitats using Exmoor ponies to graze two Forest nature reserves has been completed thanks to a £37,000 grant.

The project focused on restoring grassland habitats which are home to a variety of species at the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s newly-acquired Simpson’s Meadow Nature Reserve, and an adjacent nature reserve at The Park. 

The reserves are about  six miles from the Lydney waste transfer station, which is operated by Enovert Management who gave the grant through the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF). 

The project aimed to facilitate grazing by Exmoor ponies, which are essential for maintaining heathland habitats in a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly way.

 

Exmoor ponies grazing
Exmoor ponies grazing (© Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust)

With the introduction of conservation grazing livestock, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT) can now manage these sites sustainably, helping to restore and protect important species. 

Alongside the heathland restoration, accessibility improvements have been carried out including the replacement of traditional ‘kissing gates’ with more accessible self-closing pedestrian gates, while new interpretation panels have been installed to inform and guide visitors. 

Alex Ball, Funding Development Manager at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, said: “This project highlights Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust's dedication to environmental conservation and its commitment to providing and improving nature reserves in the Forest of Dean. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from Enovert Community Trust. The funding has enabled us to implement sustainable reserve management practices and improve the natural beauty and biodiversity of Simpson’s Meadow and The Park. The local community will also benefit from improved access and educational opportunities through our new interpretation panels.” 

Angela Haymonds, Trust Manager of Enovert Community Trust, said: “We are delighted to have supported Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust with this important restoration project. It is wonderful to see the positive impact our grant has made in preserving and enhancing these valuable habitats. 

“We are proud to support initiatives that promote environmental conservation whilst also providing enriching experiences for the community.” 

Other GWT reserves in the Forest include Ban-y-Gor at Tidenham, Cannop Bridge Marsh, Collin Park, Upleadon, Edgehills, Cinderford,   Gwen and Vera’s Field and Ketford which are both at Newent.