THE future of a herd of endangered Exmoor ponies is in doubt, according to the people who have cared for them since 1994.

The animals were first introduced to Gait Barrows Nature Reserve, near Silverdale, 25 years ago in an effort to improve the biodiversity of the land, which is owned by Natural England. They are looked after by volunteers with the not-for-profit partnership Exmoor Ponies in Conservation (EPIC).

A 2017 letter to Tim Mackintosh, executive partner in EPIC, from Martin Metcalfe, land agent with Natural England, said: “I am now writing to formally confirm that your grazing agreement will terminate as from the 31 December 2017. I trust that this provides sufficient time for you to make alternative arrangements. Please ensure that all livestock and any equipment are removed from the land by that date.” Mr Metcalfe has confirmed that the ponies come under the heading of “livestock.”

Mr Mackintosh told the Gazette: “The reason we didn’t go on that date revolves around our asking questions about whether or not our 23 [now 25] years on the site earned us a farm business tenancy, with right to at least a year of notice.”

The potential relocation of the herd has come as a shock to Leanne Walker, 38, in particular. After contracting encephalitis - a condition in which the brain becomes inflamed - in 2000, she had to “relearn everything”, including who her family members were. She subsequently experienced difficulties with her mental health and she said that visiting the ponies daily had served as a kind of therapy for her:

“Before I came to see the ponies I was going through a really bad depression. They are the best treatment you can possibly get.”

Her mother Sue, who also visits the ponies daily, said: “She was like a newborn baby... I had to teach her everything.

“It just seems so sad that the ponies helped Leanne and now they want them to move off,” she added.

Margaret Mackintosh, a partner in EPIC, said: “We are appealing for anyone from a recognised wildlife site, who might be able to find a home for the ponies, to get in touch. They can message the Exmoor Ponies in Conservation Facebook page or email epic@exmoorpony.org.”

A Natural England spokesperson said: “Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve is one of Britain’s most important landscapes, and we are currently reviewing our management plan for the site to create a rich mosaic of flower-rich grassland, wetland, scrub, and trees.

“We are currently consulting on how best to achieve this, including what grazing will be required.”