The picturesque landscape of Dartmoor National Park in Devon is on the brink of a crisis that threatens not only its unique ecosystem but also an iconic British breed. The future of the Dartmoor ponies, which have roamed the park for over 4,000 years, hangs precariously in the balance as the government's new livestock regulations could lead to their cull. A growing coalition of voices, including Natural England and several Members of Parliament, is urging a policy change to safeguard these semi-wild animals.
Sources within Natural England have revealed that the core issue lies with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) policy, which fails to differentiate between sheep and ponies in agri-environment schemes. While the aim is to address overgrazing by sheep, primarily to protect the moor's biodiversity, the lack of distinction means commoners might choose to reduce pony numbers over sheep due to their value as a meat source.
Dartmoor ponies play a vital ecological role in controlling tough, unpalatable plants such as molinia grass and gorse that can overwhelm peat bogs and heather. These actions are crucial for maintaining the moor's unique ecosystem and safeguarding rare species like birds and butterflies. Unlike sheep, which graze on more palatable vegetation, ponies have evolved to thrive in the harsh conditions of Dartmoor.
The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association (DHPA) has highlighted the drastic decline of the breed from approximately 7,000 ponies in 1999 to fewer than 1,000 today. Joss Hibbs, Secretary of the DHPA, expressed concern that Natural England's approach places ponies in direct competition with commercial livestock, potentially decimating an endangered species crucial for conservation grazing.
Labour MP Steve Race, whose constituency is near Exeter, stressed that ponies are not merely livestock but a vital part of Dartmoor's ecosystem. He and other Devon MPs plan to meet Defra ministers next week to advocate for a specific exemption for the ponies. Liberal Democrat MP Caroline Voaden echoed these concerns, warning that under current proposals, there could be a near-elimination of the ponies.
The call for policy revision underscores the tension between agricultural practices, conservation goals, and the preservation of iconic British wildlife. Stakeholders argue that a nuanced approach is essential to protect both the moor's biodiversity and the future of the Dartmoor pony.