A NEW education programme from the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) is helping schoolchildren discover Dartmoor’s landscape, wildlife and heritage ponies.

The Key Stage 2 programme, led by DPHT Education Workstream Leader Sarah Jellard, from Environmental Educational Consultancy, combines classroom learning with a field visit to Dartmoor, giving children the chance to explore the landscape and understand the role heritage Dartmoor ponies play in shaping the moor.

Early results have been striking. During one recent visit, 50 children took part in the day’s activities yet only three had previously visited Dartmoor, despite living relatively close to it.

Sarah said: ‘Many of the children live quite near Dartmoor but had never visited before.

‘Watching them discover the landscape and the ponies for the first time is really special.

‘The feedback from teachers has been wonderful and the children are completely engaged throughout the day’.

The field visit itself takes place on Dartmoor, where experienced guides lead the children through the landscape, helping them understand the archaeology, wildlife and the importance of Dartmoor ponies in conservation grazing.

Sarah said the day on the moor is often the highlight.

‘The guides are fantastic with the children.

‘They combine leadership with a real sense of fun while keeping everyone engaged and focused.

‘It is lovely to see how the children respond.

‘They really thrive during the visit’.

As part of the experience, pupils create their own leaflet or poster about Dartmoor, some of which are displayed at the Postbridge Visitor Centre, giving the children a sense of pride and ownership in what they have learned.

The programme has also highlighted an important challenge.

‘One thing I hadn’t fully anticipated is that many children feel quite nervous about visiting somewhere new,’ Sarah explained.

‘The classroom resources help them visualise Dartmoor before they arrive, which can be especially helpful for children with additional learning or emotional needs’, Sarah added.

Funding is now in place to pilot the programme with two additional schools, and interest from other schools continues to grow.