The Greenholme herd of Fell Ponies has for generations roamed Birkbeck Common, which has an area covering over one and a half thousand acres. Such herds have diminished to only a very small number and the Fell Pony is in category 3 'vulnerable' in the Rare Breeds Survival Trust watchlist. It is an endangered animal.

The Greenholme herd is one of only a handful of extensively grazing, semi feral, true herds and is well known to all Fell Pony enthusiasts. Many will know of the difficulties faced by the owners and guardians of the Greenholme Fell Ponies - Bill, Ted and John Potter - following action taken by Natural England on 11 December 2013 when the herd was rounded up and driven off Birkbeck Common. The ponies were returned to the Common and a long legal battle has since ensued.

Bill, Ted and John Potter now need to raise funds to help pay for the continuing expenses of opposing Natural England and in putting their case to them. Any money raised will be spent on paying for:-

• obtaining a scientific expert report on the effects of Fell Ponies grazing on Birkbeck Common

•. unavoidable legal fees incurred in putting the case including -

the costs of formal mediation in the hope that talks with Natural England can resolve the matter and, should these fail,

the costs of defending criminal enforcement proceedings which Natural England are threatening to bring

Bill, Ted and John have a good and worthy case but need your support to continue in the fight to save the Fell Ponies in their natural environment.

Any funds raised in excess of those required to defray the above will be applied to Macmillan Cancer Care.