We are delighted to announce that photographer Malcolm Snelgrove has become the charity’s new patron.
The charity’s vision to secure the future of the native Dartmoor pony and to inspire and connect people with Dartmoor’s wildlife, landscape and heritage is a perfect fit with Malcolm, a respected, internationally published equine and environmental photographer based on the Moor.
Dru Butterfield said: “We are thrilled and honoured that Malcolm has joined the charity as a patron. His passion for Dartmoor and its ponies, heritage and conservation certainly matches our own so this is a very exciting time.
“Malcolm will champion our work and enable us to share our messages more widely and effectively to a broader public, as well as increasing engagement, through the hugely effective medium of powerful imagery.
“We are increasing our activities, especially at Bellever, developing new partnerships, expanding the number of volunteers we have and supporting the work of the National Park and Forestry England so that more people can come and enjoy the moors safely and with respect, and feel inspired by the landscape and the ponies that graze there.”
Malcolm’s images of Dartmoor and its ponies have brought him international acclaim.
Malcolm said: “I’m so honoured to have been appointed patron as it means we can use my images to encourage people to understand both how important the ponies are for the landscape, and why we must protect and manage our landscapes for posterity, while encouraging people to come and enjoy Dartmoor.”
Malcolm first become involved with the DPHT in 2016 when he supported the charity’s Fresh Tracks programme which enabled 18 young people with a range of life challenges to walk across some 15 miles of Dartmoor as part of the Ten Tors challenge, motivated by the Charity’s specially trained Dartmoor ponies.
Malcolm said: “The DPHT is a fantastic charity, not only in the work it is doing to ensure a sustainable future for traditional Dartmoor ponies, but also because it has successfully found a way to use the ponies to benefit so many people through its equine assisted learning programmes. I’m very excited to be working with the charity, as it continues to develop the site at Bellever, inspiring and connecting people to Dartmoor’s wildlife, landscape and heritage.”
Malcolm Snelgrove
Photographer Malcolm Snelgrove’s images of Dartmoor and its ponies have brought him international acclaim.
He moved to Devon 20 years ago with his wife Juliette and his time spent exploring the wild and rugged landscapes, and studying the pony herds that graze there led him to combine working as an IT consultant with becoming a professional photographer.
He quickly established himself as a lifestyle photographer, with commissions ranging from outdoor adventure specialists to well-known clothing brands, and his photography workshops bring delegates from all over the world.
But Dartmoor has always been his passion and today his respect and admiration of the landscape has led to a particular focus on how the ponies are being used in conservation. The images he captures are astonishing, and have led to a huge world-wide following on Social Media.
Malcolm said: “I am fascinated by the ponies and how they live in their natural environment and using social media, I’ve been able to engage with people and capture their interest too.
“The DPHT is carrying out fantastic work at Bellever where they manage 82 hectares of moorland using ponies for conservation grazing and it’s been fascinating recording the very positive impact they are having in developing biodiversity.
“I’m so honoured to have been appointed patron as it means we can use my images to encourage people to understand both how important the ponies are for the environment, and why it is critical that we protect and manage our landscapes for posterity, while encouraging people to come and enjoy Dartmoor safely and with respect for nature.”
Malcolm first become involved with the DPHT in 2016 when he supported the charity’s Fresh Tracks programme enabling 16 young people with a range of life challenges to walk across some 15 miles of Dartmoor as part of the Ten Tors challenge accompanied by ponies.
He recorded their personal journeys, starting at the DPHT Centre at Parke, Bovey Tracey, where they were taught map reading, first aid, pony skills, how to put up and take down a tent, and prepare their own gear and pack their bags.
Each child was presented with a book of their own images as a record of their momentous achievements in completing the challenge.
Malcolm said: “The DPHT is a wonderful charity, not only in the work it is doing to help ensure a future for ponies through promoting their roles in conservation, but also because it has successfully found a way to use the ponies to benefit so many people through its equine assisted learning programmes.
“I’m very excited to be working with the charity, particularly as it continues to develop its activities at Bellever, inspiring and connecting people to Dartmoor’s wildlife, landscape and heritage.”
