Exmoor Ponies at Cleadon Hills

 

For some reason, where we live send out little newsletters about different things going on in the area a couple times per year. A few weeks back we got one through the letterbox and before I could promptly put it in the recycling, I was distracted by the horses on the cover. It took a lot of searching through it to find the story about them (you know, considering it was on the front!) because it was a tiny little section at the bottom edge of one page.
Anyway, it turns out that apparently, this is the 7th year that the Exmoor Ponies have come up to South Tyneside to graze the land at the Cleadon Hills Local Nature Reserve...a place we had admittedly never heard of until now, which is a huge shame because we have missed out on over two years of a potential walk spot near home!

''Cleadon Hills Local Nature Reserve is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), which needs to be protected. Exmoor ponies were introduced on the site in 2015 as part of a conservation grazing scheme to help preserve and protect the species-rich grassland for future generations to enjoy.'' - via southtyneside.gov.uk

On the 23rd of March we had a run along in the car for a walk and to visit the Ponies. Here are the photos I took.

I can't believe we've only just discovered this place!! It's so pretty and everything considered, it was way quieter than expected. There were a few odd dog walkers who were on a mission and pretty much passed straight through and one couple with bikes sat up enjoying the weather on the hill, but we were safe and able to actually be outside without masks on the majority of the time!

On our slow walk around the trail, we were able to see the Cleadon Water Tower, the old Cleadon Mill and lots of wonderful wildlife! Although I do not like them and have intense fear, we did see our first butterfly of the year. There were lots of bees, pigeons, crows, Meadow pipit, partridge, wood pigeon, obviously the ponies and even a squirrel!

Despite us purposely giving the ponies plenty of space and doing a loop around leaving them in peace to work, one, in particular, made a b-line for us and literally pushed his nose into our hands. After a little greeting, he wandered over to the fence for a bum scratch then headed back towards us and booped Mr H's belly with his nose!

It really was a lovely hour or so walk. 
Hopefully, we'll see them again next year.