Ponies arrive to save rare plants

The ponies have been brought in to deal with encroaching scrubland

Conservationists caring for rare plants and animals on endangered heathland have brought in Exmoor ponies to help manage the area.

The six animals have begun grazing on the Turbary Common nature reserve in Bournemouth, Dorset.

Encroaching scrubland has been putting the rare animal and plant species on the heath at risk.

Exmoor ponies are one of the hardiest native breeds, and are well suited to grazing heathland sites.