The abandoned and forgotten ponies of Bannau Brycheiniog A small group of diverse and dedicated volunteers in the Black Mountains of Bannau Brycheiniog, are taking action to tackle the abandonment and desperate health crisis of the historical, semi feral Welsh and mixed breed ponies that roam the uplands of the National Park along the Wales–England border. A GoFundMe campaign titled ‘The Legacy of Seren Wen’ was recently launched by Isla Hampson — a Hay-on-Wye resident, photographer and long-time walker of the Beacons, who has spent decades observing and photographing the changing condition of the hill ponies. Deeply affected by the suffering she witnessed, Isla named the campaign after an emaciated mare she found wandering alone, barely alive, in the foothills. Despite contacting charities and securing veterinary intervention, the mare’s treatable but unchecked health issues had progressed too far, highlighting the consequences of unmanaged herds and lack of ownership. The many herds have been progressively declining in health over the past decade, rapidly increasing in numbers, inter breeding, breeding with dumped non-native ponies, severing the ancient Welsh blood line that was integral to their survival in an often extreme climate and terrain. Their current situation can be horrifying to witness, starving and emaciated herds, foals and even the strongest members falling. The Seren Wen fundraiser has already raised nearly £2,000, in less than 48 hours and has attracted coverage in the local press, reflecting strong community and national support for urgent action. Galvanised and equipped by the donations and support, the group of volunteers organised immediate hay and feed drop offs, combining efforts with local farmers, generating a fresh and powerful energy to address this complex situation. The volunteers who have worked tirelessly to find an answer for many years, have drafted a manifesto and clear objectives to establish a formal guardianship body with a management plan, including coordinated roundups, feeding stations, health checks and responsible reproduction management. Their aim is to preserve the ponies on the hill — where they remain vital to the ecosystem and intrinsic to the heritage of Bannau Brycheiniog — while actively seeking to work alongside local farmers, landowners and nature-based charities to unite and align visions for a holistic management strategy. This approach will consider the health of water, soil, wildlife populations, farming livelihoods and the ponies themselves. Though the challenge is significant, the group is committed to collaboration and to creating a sustainable future for these iconic Welsh ponies and the preservation of their natural habitat. Forgotten no more.