Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust launches Christmas membership drive

In a push to redefine festive giving, the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust is encouraging the public to move beyond traditional gifts and embrace a present that not only brings joy to loved ones but actively contributes to the preservation of a cherished heritage pony— the Dartmoor Heritage Pony.

Membership gifts directly play a role in safeguarding Dartmoor's iconic Heritage ponies, offering individuals a chance to contribute to preserving our much loved traditional breeds, protect Dartmoor’s landscapes, and champion biodiversity through innovative conservation grazing projects.

Recipients of the membership become integral to the charity’s ongoing efforts to ensure the survival and prosperity of Dartmoor's heritage ponies, directly supporting initiatives that preserve this essential part of Great Britain's cultural legacy.

The charity has therefore updated and streamlined its membership offer, adding a range of new benefits for members to better connect people with the charity’s work and activities - from guided walks to events to webinars; and it has introduced a new Youth Membership. All new members, whatever their age, will also receive a very special ‘thank you‘ gift from the charity.

CEO Debbie Leach states, "We urge anyone to consider becoming a member of the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust or gifting membership, becoming part of our legacy ensuring Dartmoor Heritage ponies thrive for generations. Membership is a positive way to assist and follow the progress of these much-loved ponies."

Membership contributions extend beyond benefiting the ponies. The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust actively works with farmers to harmonise protecting rare upland heathlands with the livelihoods of those caring for the ponies.

The ponies native to Dartmoor aren't just symbols of heritage; they are environmental stewards. Through their natural grazing habits, they significantly contribute to conservation efforts, enhancing biodiversity across the Dartmoor landscape. By gifting a membership, individuals help the Trust to continue these vital conservation projects.

The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust offers a range of membership packages. Whether a one-time donation or a recurring contribution, each membership tier offers a unique way to connect with Dartmoor's heritage. The Gorse Membership is particularly distinct for those seeking deeper engagement with the Trust's mission.

The Trust relies on grants, donations, legacies, fundraising, and membership income to carry out its crucial work. Almost entirely run by volunteers to minimise costs, the Trust collaborates with key partners, including local keepers and breeders of the Dartmoor Pony, conservation bodies such as the RSPB, National Trust, Wildlife Trusts, the Rare Breed Survival Trust, the National Equine Welfare Council, and many other equine organisations.

Membership benefits include a say in how the Trust is run, regardless of location, with one vote per membership.

To give the gift of membership, visit https://dpht.co.uk/dpht-membership