A FUND has been launched to help a newly-orphaned wild-born foal discovered lying next to her dead mother at one of the most remote parts of Exmoor.

The mare had injuries consistent with having got caught up in fencing, and in her struggle to free herself had separated from her herd on Brendon Common and was found in Hoaroak Valley.

After being rescued, the foal is being cared for by Exmoor Pony Project co-founders Nick and Dawn Westcott.

She has been given the name Lady Luna – there was a full moon on the day she was rescued – and Dawn said a crowd funding appeal had been lauched to help meet the cost of her care.

As we goto press today (Thursday), the fund is just £578 short of its £2,000 target.

“Bags of mare replacement milk cost around £120 a time and as well as a number of these over the coming weeks, Luna will also need foal creep pellets,” she said.

“The costs of her initial rehabilitation, ongoing care, management and development - including feed, bedding, vet, registration, wormers, equipment etc - will easily run into a few thousand pounds.

“We already have more than 30 Exmoor ponies in the Exmoor Pony Project but we felt it important to offer Lady Luna this chance.”