WITH their big brown eyes and long twitching tails they hardly look like the new defenders of the Sussex Downs.

But these 18 Exmoor ponies have been called in to rid the famous Sussex beauty spot of a pest which is threatening its biodiversity.

The animals will spend the next few months patrolling the Downs eating tor grass, which has infested the land and started to decimate wildlife habitats.

The plant is thought to have spread in recent years due to new farming methods and increased pollution in the atmosphere.

Tor grass spreads to form clumps and dense mats. Because it is tough most livestock will not eat it, which means it is often left to choke other plants and destroy the natural habitat of small creatures.

It can also make farmland useless for grazing.

Particularly under threat are some of the Downs' chalk grasslands, which are home to more than 50 species per square metre. These include herbs, grasses, rare butterflies and other plants, especially orchids.

To combat the problem the Sussex Downs Conservation Board and Sussex Downs Volunteer Rangers have enlisted the services of the 18 ponies which will graze in the areas most under threat.

The herd of seven mature mares, five fillies and six colt foals are being gradually released at France Bottom, Alfriston, over the next week and will graze there until March.

If the project proves to be a success they will be moved to Well Bottom, Firle and then to Beddingham Hill. The board is not ruling out the chance the ponies may also be moved to other sites on the Downs.

It is hoped the project will not only preserve wildlife on the Downs but also establish a breeding herd of the ponies, which have a total population of 1,200.

The breed was picked because of its hardiness and wariness of people. They come from

Exmoor, Rutland and Buckinghamshire.

A spokesman for the board said: "We think this scheme is unique to Sussex and will help the ponies and the Downs.

"The Exmoor pony is a rare breed, once threatened with extinction itself. It is a small but very strong animal that prefers harsh environments and will graze happily on tor grass."

The scheme has been organised by the board and rangers working with partners including the farming community. The rangers paid around £5,000 for the animals.

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