A new survey of Bellever Moor and Meadows reserve on Dartmoor, Devon, has revealed that conservation grazing by heritage Dartmoor ponies is delivering strong results, with several rare and vulnerable bird species now breeding on restored heathland.
The findings, published this month [December 2025], report successful breeding activity this season from nine Red- and Amber-listed species, including Common Cuckoo, Grasshopper Warbler, Tree Pipit, Whinchat and Eurasian Skylark – all nesting within the pony-managed heath and moorland habitat.
The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT), working in partnership with Natural England, commissioned the research across the reserve.
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Conservation grazing brings rare breeding birds back to Dartmoor
https://www.birdguides.com/news/conservation-grazing-brings-rare-breeding-birds-back-to-dartmoor/A new survey of Bellever Moor and Meadows reserve on Dartmoor, Devon, has revealed that conservation grazing by heritage Dartmoor ponies is delivering strong results, with several rare and vulnerable bird species now breeding on restored heathland.
The findings, published this month [December 2025], report successful breeding activity this season from nine Red- and Amber-listed species, including Common Cuckoo, Grasshopper Warbler, Tree Pipit, Whinchat and Eurasian Skylark – all nesting within the pony-managed heath and moorland habitat.
The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT), working in partnership with Natural England, commissioned the research across the reserve.