Saturday

 All found in the same place as last week - in the tress in the far south west corner. All looking fine. 

Friday 6th March - All 8 seen

At 11:30 this morning, the ponies were resting on both sides of the track north of Brock’s Hill. When I first approached, Tilly was stretched out on her side, but was happy to receive some strokes. After a short while, she sat up for a neck scratch before getting to her feet. She was very affectionate, offering gentle nuzzles and cuddles. The other ponies soon started to wander over, keen to say hello and enjoy some strokes and rubs. The dun pony had a good roll on the soft, muddy grass before coming over to greet me.

After our initial greetings, the ponies alternated between resting and grazing nearby. They took turns coming over for more attention, enjoying long neck and back scratches. All eight were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

There were a few spots of rain at times, but shortly after 12:35 the rain started in earnest. I wandered over to the main entrance to grab a jacket, and the ponies all followed, waiting for me on the path by the cattle grid. After another round of strokes and rubs, and despite the rain, the girls moved into the pasture to the northeast to graze. Most moved into the gorse bushes along the fence line, but would regularly return to spend some time with me. By 13:05 the rain had become even heavier, and I said my goodbyes, leaving them grazing but hoping they would wander off and find some proper shelter.

The ponies were all good today.

New gates installed - all 8 ponies all well

As Steve mentioned we asked contractors to install 2 kissing gates today on the boundary between Tweseldown and Brocks Hill to hopefully prevent them re-visiting TD again! They have removed the old "squeezes" and installed the gates directly south of Brocks Hill itself and at the far end of the site near the Field Gate into Test Track.

I also checked the ponies and they all looked well. Found yet more litter on the hill and removed that.

Thanks all for your on-going checks - much appreciated. 

Tuesday 3rd March - All 8 ponies seen

It was nice to meet Jack as I arrived on site at about 0940 this morning and later to talk briefly with the contractors installing the new gate between the enclosure and the race course behind Brock's Hill (that will hopefully allow the fences to stay intact!).

I found the ponies grazing in the open area to the north of Brock's Hill around D4/5. All appeared well and not missing the green grass of the racecourse.

2.45pm, Mon 2 March, all on site and enjoying the sun

Met them all on the path between the hill and racecourse, mostly just standing only one was eating the gorse

They appeared well

Monday 2nd March - Call Out, Escaped Ponies

08.30 

Call out this morning as the ponies were out on Tweseldown XC course. 

11.44 

All ponies back in site 

3 points of fencing repaired or altered 

All ponies well and none the worse for their adventure. 

Many thanks 

Northern Reserves Team 

Sunday 1st March - All 8 seen

At 13:20 this afternoon, a group of three ponies were happily grazing southeast of the pond, near ///bins.smokers.special. The other four were grazing further east towards the test track gate. The first three were very friendly, taking turns to come over, say hello, and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs. After a while, I wandered down to see the other four, who were equally friendly and happy to receive neck and back scratches. All seven were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

After our initial greetings, the ponies returned to grazing, and I split my time between the two groups. The girls regularly drifted back for more attention, thoroughly enjoying long head, neck, shoulder, and back rubs. They also seemed pleased to have loose gorse untangled from their manes and tails. The ponies relaxed completely, lowering their heads and resting a hind leg in contentment. The dun pony even drifted off to sleep at one point while having the sides of her neck scratched. She was especially affectionate, offering gentle nuzzles and even a few licks.

The group that had been grazing by the test track gate gradually drifted west and, by 15:00, had joined the others. The combined group continued to graze contentedly near the pond but took regular breaks to come over for more attention. The girls were a joy to spend time with this afternoon.

I said my goodbyes at 15:30, leaving them all peacefully grazing.