Growing Dispute Over Possible Cull of Dartmoor Hill Ponies
A dispute is intensifying regarding the potential cull of Dartmoor's hill ponies, as campaigners warn that Natural England's conservation strategy could severely impact the endangered breed.
Campaigners have expressed concern that new contracts from the government's conservation agency, Natural England, which require reductions in livestock grazing on the moor's commons, may result in the removal—and likely culling—of up to 90% of the hill pony population.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the approach, calling it
"total madness".
Natural England has stated its intention to maintain the numbers of the semi-wild ponies on Dartmoor
"for generations to come", while a Downing Street spokeswoman assured that the Labour government would not permit a cull and insisted the animals remain protected.
Dartmoor hill ponies have inhabited the landscape for approximately 4,500 years, but their numbers have declined significantly—from 6,000 ponies 25 years ago to fewer than 1,000 currently.
Under new moorland agri-environmental schemes, Natural England is including hill ponies in livestock counts. These schemes provide payments to farmers for grazing upland areas in ways that benefit nature.
Campaigners warn that these new schemes could reduce livestock numbers, including hill ponies, by between 56% and 89%.
They also noted that previous reductions, from which the ponies were historically protected, have not resulted in increased biodiversity on Dartmoor.
Concerns Over Impact on Biodiversity and Farming
The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association (DHPA) has stated that the new measures would force commoners—who have traditional rights to graze livestock on the moor's commons—to choose between commercial sheep and cattle, or the ponies they have historically cared for.
Joss Hibbs, secretary of the DHPA, which represents commoners, emphasized the ecological importance of the ponies, explaining that they are the most effective grazers of the dominant "monoculture" Molinia grass on the moor.
Hibbs warned that if commoners prioritize commercial livestock to sustain their livelihoods, the ponies could be lost. Conversely, if they choose to maintain the ponies, their farms might become financially unsustainable, ultimately leading to the loss of both the farms and the ponies they protect.
"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."
The Devon-based Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony charity has called for long-term, legal protection of the remaining hill pony herds, recognizing their rare status. They also advocate for an agreed moor-wide herd size, as was established under previous contracts.
Campaigners have urged Natural England to await the outcomes of the Land Use Management Group, which was established to implement recommendations from a government-commissioned review in 2023. This group is developing a land use plan for Dartmoor, expected by 2027.
Political Reactions and Official Statements
Kemi Badenoch criticized the situation, stating:
"This is total madness from another unaccountable quango.
Keir Starmer is on his way to making his last acts in office - the shameful underfunding of our military and the mass slaughter of Dartmoor ponies."
A Downing Street spokeswoman highlighted the ponies' ecological and cultural significance, saying:
"The ponies play a vital role in the health of its moorland habitats and are part of the cultural landscape.
So, let me be very clear on this - this government will not allow a cull of Dartmoor ponies and we don't manage feral pony populations by culling in this country.
Natural England has not recommended a cull of Dartmoor ponies and it does not have the power to order a cull and has not advised one."
A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) added:
"In line with the Independent Review of Protected Site Management on Dartmoor, we are working with partners, including the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association to help ensure that we maintain numbers of semi-wild ponies on the moor for generations to come."
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