WHAT TO EXPECT

Across Scotland, wilder grazing with animals that act as proxies for missing herbivores is increasingly being used to help restore natural ecological processes. Ponies, in particular, can play a key role in shaping vegetation and creating habitat diversity, resulting in healthier and more resilient ecosystems that support greater biodiversity and bioabundance.  

Wild grazing is not simply about managing vegetation. It demands an understanding of the animals themselves, their behaviour, ecology, welfare needs and how they interact with the landscapes they inhabit.

This Learning Day lead by equine specialist Bonny Mealand (Touching Wild) explores the role ponies can play in rewilding and wild grazing, bringing together behavioural science, ecology, welfare-centred thinking and practical considerations for working with free-living, semi-feral ponies.

You’ll gain insights into how ponies function within restoration landscapes and how thoughtful management can support both biodiversity and equine wellbeing.

The Learning Day will cover:

• the identification and ecology of different pony species commonly used in Scotland for wild grazing
• the equipment used to manage ponies for nature restoration purposes
• why ponies cope well with rough forage and changing conditions
• natural movement patterns, the importance of space and how these traits influence the way ponies shape vegetation and habitats
• breeding and population considerations for long-term herd sustainability
• handling systems for semi-feral animals and low-stress approaches to veterinary care
• when to intervene and when to let nature run its course
• the behaviour, welfare needs and management challenges involved in wild grazing systems
• the increase in flora diversity and pollinating insect numbers that natural grazing provides. 

This Learning Day is for you if: 

• you’re a student, graduate or other individual interested in pursuing a career within the rewilding sector
• you’re a landowner keen to learn more about land management with ponies as wild grazers
• you’re a conservation or rewilding professional keen to learn new skills
• you’re interested in learning more about the role of ponies in the Scottish landscape

Main photo above credited to Jean Sinclair.