Dartmoor Hill Pony Cull Threat Looms as Natural England Contracts Spark Controversy
A significant dispute has emerged regarding the future of Dartmoor's hill ponies. Campaigners contend that Natural England's revised conservation contracts for the moor's commons could "devastate" the endangered breed, potentially leading to the removal – and likely cull – of up to 90% of the animals.
The controversy stems from Natural England's new agri-environmental schemes, which link payments to farmers for upland grazing practices intended to benefit nature. These schemes incorporate ponies into livestock counts, prompting fears that commoners will be forced to drastically reduce herd numbers to comply.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has branded the situation "total madness" and launched a petition. However, a Downing Street spokeswoman has stated the government will not permit a cull, insisting the ponies are safe and that Natural England has neither recommended nor possesses the authority to order one.
Dartmoor hill ponies have inhabited the landscape for approximately 4,500 years, yet their numbers have plummeted. From 6,000 ponies on Dartmoor 25 years ago, fewer than 1,000 remain today.
The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association warns that the new schemes could force commoners, who traditionally safeguard the ponies, to prioritise commercial sheep and cattle over the indigenous breed. Joss Hibbs, Secretary of the DHPA, highlighted that the ponies are crucial for controlling Molinia grass, a monoculture now dominating the moor, and their loss would be detrimental to biodiversity.
The Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony charity advocates for long-term legal protection for the remaining herds and a separate, agreed moor-wide herd size. They also urge Natural England to await the outcomes of the Land Use Management Group, which is developing a comprehensive land use plan for Dartmoor by 2027.
