‘A victory for the ponies, and the moor itself’: joy as your voices are heard and Dartmoor ponies’ future secured
The Government has confirmed the hill ponies will be protected in new contracts with commoners
The future of the Dartmoor hill pony has been secured – and the voices of more than 220,000 people heard – as the Government has agreed new protections for them.
Natural England announced yesterday (15 July) that the ponies will be removed from stocking rate calculations in new agreements with commoners, which means owners will no longer have to choose between ponies and sheep or cattle.
“This is wonderful news for Dartmoor’s ponies and for everyone who loves the moor,” said Dartmoor Hill Pony Association chair Charlotte Faulkner.
“For months, pony keepers, commoners and supporters have been warning that future grazing agreements could unintentionally put these precious herds at risk. Today, the Government has listened.”
H&H reported that campaigners feared the most likely outcome of the new contracts, in which cattle and ponies were both included in stocking density limits, would be culls, and that up to 90% of the remaining 1,000 ponies on the moor would be lost.
Hundreds of thousands of people backed those campaigning for the ponies’ future, and politicians from across the spectrum spoke out against the plans.
The announcement yesterday said the new measures would protect the ponies and support those who keep them on the moor.
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“These heritage rare breeds and semi-wild hill ponies are a much-cherished part of Dartmoor’s landscape and cultural heritage,” a Defra and Natural England spokesperson said. “They also play an important role in conserving protected environmental sites on the moor – and the Government is committed to ensuring their numbers do not fall below current levels.
“From today, Dartmoor ponies will be removed from stocking rate calculations in new Environmental Management agreements, so that farmers do not face a choice between keeping ponies and maintaining sheep or cattle. This implements recommendation 27 of the 2023 Fursdon review, an independent review of protected site management on Dartmoor. Pony numbers will also be monitored across the moor to ensure they remain stable.
“A new dedicated pony supplement will be introduced into farming schemes to remove any financial incentive to reduce pony populations. In addition, the Government has asked the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group to develop a whole-moor grazing framework ensuring all interests are considered together.”
The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association said the announcement is a “landmark moment for Dartmoor’s ponies, its commoners, biodiversity and cultural heritage”.
Political clout
Ms Faulkner thanked Defra minister Emma Reynolds for putting her political clout behind the campaign.
“We would like to thank the secretary of state for listening to over 220,000 people who care about the future of the semi-wild Dartmoor hill pony herds,” she said.
“This will support Dartmoor’s biodiversity, culture and tourism, keeping Dartmoor as we know and love it for generations to come.
“This announcement means Dartmoor’s ponies are being recognised for what they are: rare, native, semi-wild herds that are part of Dartmoor’s history, its biodiversity and its future.
“Removing ponies from stocking rate calculations is exactly the assurance we have been asking for. It means commoners should no longer be placed in the impossible position of having to choose between keeping ponies on the moor and maintaining viable farm businesses.
“We are hugely grateful to the secretary of state, Defra, Natural England, Steve Race MP and everyone who has helped bring this issue to national attention.
“Most of all, we want to thank the more than 220,000 people who stood up for Dartmoor’s ponies. Their voices have made a real difference.
“This is a day to celebrate. Dartmoor’s hill ponies belong on Dartmoor, and today’s announcement is a major step towards securing their future where they belong: on the moor.”
Working together for the Dartmoor hill ponies’ future
The association said it looks forward to working with all the other stakeholders to ensure the new arrangement delivers on all fronts.
Secretary Joss Hibbs added: “This is a brilliant result, but it is also the beginning of the next chapter. We now want to work constructively with everyone involved to make sure these protections are delivered on the ground.
“Today has shown what can happen when commoners, campaigners, politicians and the public come together for Dartmoor. It is a victory for the ponies, but also for the moor itself.”
Natural England chief executive Marian Spain added: “Natural England has always been clear that Dartmoor’s ponies play a central role in shaping the landscape and supporting nature, and we want to see them continue to do so.
“The Government policy changes announced today will enable us to work with farmers to secure the agreements we need to recover nature on Dartmoor. We will continue to work with Dartmoor Land Use Management Group and other local groups on the new framework to ensure a healthy, sustainable future for Dartmoor.”
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.