Rare fell ponies face extinction

More breeders are needed to prevent the fell ponies dying out

A rare breed of pony in Cumbria's Lake District is under threat, a scientist has claimed.

David Murray, a conservation scientist who studies Britain's native ponies, said the fell herds were facing extinction as more breeders retire.

There are only about 400 fell pony mares in Britain, and Mr Murray said it would only take the demise of two herds to put the breed in jeopardy.

He said more breeders were needed to recognise the value of the ponies.

He said: "Basically we have around 400 or so fell breeding females registered in and around Cumbria and one or two other parts of Britain.

Maintain biodiversity

"Due to the gradual erosion of blood lines these ponies are now regarded as rare and vulnerable.

"It is really important we find a way of protecting these herds in the next century or so.

"They have been around for 2,000 years plus before the Romans, yet we could see their gradual demise. "

Fell ponies are usually 13 to 14 hands high, with a stocky build, a full mane and tail and feathering on the legs. The ponies are predominantly black, but can also be bay, brown and grey.

Mr Murray added: "They are good for grazing, they don't eat wild flowers or heather and are a bit more selective in what they eat.

"They are often preferred to sheep as grazers on the fells, yet many people do not recognise their worth for helping to maintain biodiversity."