The future of Dartmoor’s iconic semi-wild hill ponies has been given a significant boost after the UK Government confirmed changes to its farming schemes that campaigners say will help protect one of Britain’s most recognisable native pony populations.
The announcement follows weeks of campaigning by the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association, the Countryside Alliance, local graziers and rural organisations, who warned that proposed Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) rules could have led to a sharp decline in pony numbers across the moor.
Why Were Dartmoor Ponies At Risk?
Campaigners argued that the previous approach to Environmental Land Management (ELMS) agreements risked forcing farmers into an impossible decision.
Under earlier proposals, Dartmoor’s free-roaming ponies were included in overall livestock stocking density calculations. This meant graziers aiming to meet environmental targets could have been forced to reduce pony numbers in order to keep commercially important sheep and cattle.
The concern prompted widespread criticism across the countryside sector, with the issue receiving national media attention and renewed calls for government intervention.
Government Announces Policy Change
On 15 July, the Government confirmed it will exclude Dartmoor ponies from stocking rate calculations for new Environmental Management agreements.
The change means farmers will no longer need to choose between maintaining viable livestock businesses and continuing to graze Dartmoor’s historic pony herds.
Alongside the rule change, ministers also announced:
- A dedicated pony supplement within future farming schemes.
- Ongoing monitoring of Dartmoor pony numbers to help ensure the population remains stable.
- Continued work towards a longer-term grazing framework for Dartmoor.
The move mirrors recommendations made in the independent Fursdon Review, which examined protected site management across Dartmoor.
Countryside Alliance Welcomes Decision
David Bean of the Countryside Alliance described the announcement as an important step forward for both the ponies and the communities that care for them.
He said the Government had listened to evidence presented by campaigners, acted on recommendations from the independent review and responded to significant public concern.
While welcoming the announcement, Bean added that further work is still needed to develop a long-term grazing strategy that supports both conservation and sustainable farming on Dartmoor.
Why Dartmoor Ponies Matter
Dartmoor hill ponies have roamed the moor for centuries and play an important role in maintaining the landscape through natural grazing. Their presence helps support biodiversity while preserving one of England’s most distinctive upland environments.
For many conservationists and equestrians, protecting the ponies is about more than safeguarding a native breed. The traditional grazing system also underpins the cultural heritage of Dartmoor and the livelihoods of families who have managed the moorland for generations.
Campaign groups say the latest announcement provides welcome certainty, but they will continue working with government to ensure both the ponies and Dartmoor’s wider farming community remain protected for the future.
