One of the UK's rarest native pony breeds will make an appearance in the grounds of Smithills Hall this weekend.

On Sunday November 5, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) and the Foundation for Common Land will bring a Fell pony to the historic grounds.

The pony will can be seen between 12pm and 3pm and is free of charge.

The small but strong breed of the Pennines’ western slopes, Fell ponies have served the people, landscapes and environment of north-west England for centuries of logging, driving, and riding but are sadly now listed as ‘At Risk’ on the RBST Watchlist.

The breed was famously favoured by the late Queen Elizabeth II who regularly rode her Fell pony Emma in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

RBST Chief Executive Christopher Price said: “Fell ponies developed in the West Pennine’s uplands, so they thrive in that environment while also supporting the delicate ecosystem of these beautiful and important landscapes.

“The breed has long grazed the Lake District’s uplands through commoning, an ancient practice which is still crucial today as we look to address challenges such as biodiversity loss, economic sustainability, food quality and security, flood management and climate change.

“We are delighted to be able to bring a beautiful Fell pony to Smithills Hall on November 5 to show visitors why they are so special.”

This RBST visit to Smithills Hall is in partnership with the Foundation for Common Land.

It is part of a yearlong series made possible thanks to a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Take the Common to Town.

Sam Caraway, Project Manager at The Foundation for Common Land, said: “Commoning is a unique part of our heritage, a way of managing the land that’s older than the Magna Carta and is still at the heart of some of our most cherished landscapes.

“Take the Common to Town is a great opportunity to learn more about it and to meet some of the special breeds of animals that make it possible.”

Visitors to the RBST and FCL stand at Smithills Hall will also be able to hear from RBST experts about rare and native livestock and equine breed conservation; and to talk with experts from the Foundation for Common Land about the relationship between native breeds and the UK’s Upland Commons.

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