Wild ponies prove big success at RSPB Blacktoft Sands nature reserve

THE introduction of wild horses at an East Yorkshire reserve is proving a huge success. Four konik ponies are creating homes for a range of wildlife at RSPB Blacktoft Sands near Goole and their introduction is a first for Yorkshire.

They have been grazing on the reserve since November 2011, helping to create suitable habitat for everything from rare beetles to breeding birds.

By chomping their way through dense areas of grass, the ponies have made homes for ground-nesting birds including skylarks and also provided suitable winter feeding grounds for wading birds such as curlews.

Pete Short, Humber reserves manager, said: "When the ponies arrived at the reserve nearly two years ago, we had high hopes that they would help make Blacktoft an even better place for wildlife.

Read more: http://legacy.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/Wild-ponies-prove-big-success-RSPB-Blacktoft/story-19946963-detail/story.html#ixzz2jaRXaE9j

Who needs a pet pooch when you have your very own dogzilla?

Fluffy the monitor lizard gets close for a piggyback with owner David Robson (Picture: Caters)


Owner David Robson bought the reptile when he was just a few inches long and now shares his home with a 1.5m (5ft) godzilla – which likes to cuddle up on the sofa to watch TV.

‘He did go through a funny phase of climbing on my dad’s face when he fell asleep on the sofa, said the 18-year-old. 

‘He’d climb up dad’s legs, sit on his face and then fall asleep as well – but because he is so big my dad couldn’t lift him so he’d be pinned to the sofa.’ 

Fluffy runs to the gate when Mr Robson shouts ‘walkies’ and loves playing with the family’s four dogs and three cats. 

‘When he is really warm and has been under his bulbs for ages he has loads of energy – he can run as fast as the dog can, said the teenager, of Bridlington, East Yorkshire. 

Despite his vicious claws and whip-like tail, Fluffy is a hit with locals when he is carried on Mr Robson’s chest as he collects cash for charities at festivals. 

‘Because I’m holding him close they think I’m cuddling a child so they say, “Oh can I see your baby?” I don’t know how they miss the 3ft tail,’ he said.

Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/907933-who-needs-a-pet-pooch-when-you-have-your-very-own-dogzilla#ixzz23KlZfknB