Dartmoor pony fears reignite grazing row with Natural England

Fears that Dartmoor could lose large numbers of its semi‑wild ponies have reignited tensions over grazing policy, despite assurances from Natural England and Defra that no cull is planned.

Concern centres on how stocking rates are calculated on Dartmoor commons in Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier and new Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes.

Farmers and pony groups are concerned that including ponies alongside cattle and sheep within grazing limits could threaten their numbers if livestock reductions are required.

See also: High Court finds Dartmoor stock assessments inadequate

The issue has gained momentum as a petition urging protection for Dartmoor’s ponies has attracted more than 145,000 signatures.

However, Natural England has firmly rejected claims it is advocating a cull.

David Slater, Natural England’s South West area director, said: “The notion that Natural England is advocating a cull is simply untrue.

“Dartmoor’s habitats are in a poor state and grazing by ponies is vital for their recovery.

“Our role is to advise farmers entering publicly funded schemes.

“These have been designed to support nature recovery – some require less grazing, others more depending on conditions – but ponies are and always will be part of that mix.

“We are working with the Dartmoor community to protect livelihoods and the moor’s character, including its ponies.”

Fursdon Review

The dispute follows controversy three years ago, when proposed livestock reductions sparked a Westminster debate and prompted the independent Fursdon Review.

This led to the creation of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group, chaired by National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker, to develop a long-term plan.

Mr Stocker said all parties agree that cattle, sheep and ponies have an important role on Dartmoor, with ponies particularly valuable for controlling invasive Molinia grass.

However, he warned of potential “unintended consequences” if ponies are counted within stocking limits.

“If that’s the case, farmers make more income from cattle and sheep,” he said.

“If reductions are required, there is a risk ponies will be removed instead.”

The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association estimates there are now fewer than 1,000 hill ponies remaining, down from about 7,000 in 1999.

It warns the proposed system could reduce the population by between 60% and 90%, although these are campaign estimates rather than official figures.

James Wright, an Exmoor farmer and chairman of the Conservative Rural Forum, has launched a separate letter petition calling for stronger protections for Dartmoor and Exmoor ponies, with more than 8,000 signatures attracted so far.

He said: “Natural England may not be directly calling for a cull, but they are setting the conditions that could lead to one.”

Defra response

A Defra spokesman said Dartmoor ponies are a key part of the landscape and its ecology.

“Natural England is not recommending a cull and this government would not support one,” the spokesman added.

Defra added that new upland schemes include payments for grazing with both cattle and ponies, reducing direct competition.

It also said impacts on pony populations would be monitored and mitigations introduced if necessary.