This summer we made the painful and emotional decision to leave our Parke premises.  This was due to a combination of costs and usage.  Changing habits and demographics of visitors to Parke post pandemic have resulted in a significant drop in footfall.  The DPHT had already made the decision that we would no longer continue with equine assisted learning as we were not best placed or qualified to provide these services.  Hence Parke was primarily used as office space and a location for handling or recuperation of ponies.  The cost of this was in the region of £25k per year.  In these difficult times the level of income from donations, memberships and legacies has reduced significantly and hence this was a significant potential saving that could be realised. Our last day was 30th September 2024.

With the help of the National Trust, whilst we have given up the buildings, we have retained an agricultural rent on the outside barn (as seen in the pic), school and paddocks.  This will enable us to continue to provide a handling service for feral ponies, one of our most valued support services, and some recuperation of ponies.

As ever the best place to see our herd of Dartmoor Heritage ponies is on Bellever. And don’t forget, for groups of 6 or more we offer FREE guided walks with a qualified moorland guide.