Reserve turns to horsepower to improve wildlife habitat

The Konik ponies, a breed which originates in Eastern Europe, are prized for their grazing skills and have been brought to the RSPB’s reserve at Blacktoft Sands, where it is hoped they will create suitable conditions for ground-nesting birds such as lapwings.

By giving the four ponies the freedom of the large fields of the Humber reserve, it is hoped their natural horsepower will reduce the need for expensive machinery and fuel.

Meaning “small horse” in its native Poland, the Konik is a small but hardy breed, directly descended from the Tarpan, a wild horse driven to extinction in central Europe in the late 19th century.

Tougher than their domestic cousins, Konik ponies can survive temperatures of up to minus 40C, are rarely ill and are adept at foraging. This means that they can largely be left to their own devices.

Mike Andrews, visitor officer at the reserve, says: “We think the ponies will be a real hit with our visitors but while they are generally placid and look cute, they are still essentially wild animals so we are asking people not to pet them and keep a respectful distance.”

Konik ponies have been grazing many nature reserves in Europe for the benefit of wildlife during the past decade and in recent years they have started appearing in some reserves in the south of England.

However, their arrival at Blacktoft Sands, between Ousefleet and Adlingfleet near Goole, is believed to be their first appearance in Yorkshire.