PONY herds and their management on Dartmoor is the focus of this year's Dartmoor Society research lecture, which takes place at the end of this month.

Robyn Petrie-Ritchie, born and bred on Dartmoor, has recently completed her MSc at Plymouth University, for which she has been carrying out ground-breaking research, based on close observation of the behaviour of differing herds of ponies on Dartmoor. She has talked to many pony keepers, and is dedicated to resolving the question of how best to manage ponies on Dartmoor in the future.

Dr Tom Greeves, Chairman of the Dartmoor Society, said: 'Ponies on Dartmoor continue to receive much media coverage, and have never been so much at risk of disappearing from the moorland scene.

'This lecture, open to all, is a privileged opportunity to hear a leading researcher give her opinion on how to resolve this critical issue for Dartmoor.'

The lecture takes place at the Dolphin Hotel, Bovey Tracey on Friday, October 31 at 7.30pm.

To reserve a place, including a light buffet supper, cheques (£9.50 non-members; £7.50 members) payable to the Dartmoor Society, should be sent with names, addresses and contact email/telephone to The Dartmoor Society, PO Box 38, Tavistock PL19 0XJ by October 27. Or visit the website http://www.dartmoorsociety.com">www.dartmoorsociety.com and download a booking form under events.

For information email [email protected]">[email protected]