Conservation Efforts Spark Controversy for Dartmoor Ponies
A significant disagreement has emerged concerning the fate of Dartmoor's hill ponies. Conservation agency Natural England's revised approach to landscape management has drawn criticism from campaigners, who fear it could severely impact the endangered breed.
New Grazing Contracts and Pony Population Concerns
Under new government conservation contracts, a reduction in livestock grazing on Dartmoor's commons is proposed. Opponents of these changes suggest that this could lead to the removal, and likely culling, of up to 90% of the hill pony population. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has labeled the situation "total madness" and initiated a petition in response.
Conversely, Natural England has stated its commitment to preserving the semi-wild pony numbers on the moor "for generations to come." A Downing Street spokesperson also affirmed that the government would not permit a cull, assuring the animals' safety.
Historical Presence and Recent Decline
Dartmoor hill ponies have been an integral part of the landscape for approximately 4,500 years. However, their numbers have seen a sharp decline; from an estimated 6,000 ponies 25 years ago, fewer than 1,000 remain today.
Natural England's new moorland agri-environmental schemes, which offer payments to farmers for upland grazing practices that benefit nature, now include ponies in their livestock counts. Campaigners warn that these schemes could result in a 56% to 89% reduction in livestock, including the hill ponies. They also highlight that previous similar cuts, from which ponies were previously exempt, did not demonstrably improve Dartmoor's biodiversity.
Impact on Commoners and Ecosystem
The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association (DHPA) argues that the new measures would compel commoners, who possess grazing rights, to choose between economically viable sheep and cattle, and the ponies they have historically protected. Joss Hibbs, secretary of the DHPA, emphasized that the loss of hill ponies would negatively affect the landscape's biodiversity. She explained that ponies are crucial for grazing Molinia grass, a monoculture that has become dominant on the moor.
Hibbs cautioned that if commoners prioritize commercial livestock, the ponies would vanish. Conversely, if they choose the ponies, their farms could become economically unviable, leading to the eventual loss of both the farms and the ponies they safeguard. She stated, "Natural England's approach will devastate the Dartmoor hill pony population, it will make farms financially unviable and it's extremely doubtful there will be any environmental benefit."
Calls for Protection and Further Review
The Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony charity, based in Devon, is advocating for long-term, legal protection for the remaining herds, acknowledging their rare status. They also propose a separate, agreed-upon moor-wide herd size, similar to arrangements under previous contracts. Campaigners are urging Natural England to await the findings of the Land Use Management Group, established to implement recommendations from a 2023 government review, which is developing a land use plan for Dartmoor by 2027.
Government Response and Political Intervention
Conservative politicians have called on the Labour government to intervene and override Natural England's plans to protect the ponies, describing the situation as "shameful and cruel." Kemi Badenoch criticized the perceived unaccountability of the agency.
A Downing Street spokesperson reiterated the vital role ponies play in the health of moorland habitats and their cultural significance. The spokesperson clarified, "this government will not allow a cull of Dartmoor ponies and we don't manage feral pony populations by culling in this country." They added that Natural England has not recommended or advised a cull and lacks the authority to order one.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson confirmed ongoing collaboration with partners, including the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association, to maintain the semi-wild pony population in line with the Independent Review of Protected Site Management on Dartmoor.