Natural England Contracts Threaten 90% of Dartmoor Hill Ponies as Downing Street Rules Out Cull
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 16
Natural England Contracts Threaten 90% of Dartmoor Hill Ponies as Downing Street Rules Out Cull
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 16
Summary
Campaigners say Natural England’s new Dartmoor grazing contracts could force the removal—and likely cull—of up to 90% of the moor’s hill ponies by counting them within livestock reduction targets.
Those schemes would cut overall livestock grazing by 56% to 89%, they say, leaving commoners to choose between commercially viable sheep and cattle or the semi-wild ponies they traditionally protect.
Fewer than 1,000 Dartmoor hill ponies remain, down from 6,000 about 25 years ago, and campaigners argue the breed is vital for controlling Molinia grass and supporting moorland biodiversity.
Downing Street said the Labour government would not allow a cull and stressed Natural England neither recommended one nor has the power to order one, while Defra said it is working to maintain pony numbers.
The dispute adds pressure on ministers to revisit Dartmoor land management before a government-backed land use plan is completed in 2027.