A Positive Step – But Promises Must Become Policy!

Thank you to everyone that has signed our petition.  We are so grateful to each and every one of you.  It is so moving to read your comments and watch your videos.  Please keep sharing.

In Parliament, the Environment Secretary confirmed there are "no planned reductions" in Dartmoor pony numbers, recognising that these native ponies are a vital part of the landscape and promising to visit Dartmoor in the coming weeks.  While this is a welcome commitment, words alone are not enough.

The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association is urging Defra and Natural England to turn this promise into action by implementing Recommendation 27 of the independent Fursdon Review, which states that ponies and cattle should not be linked when calculating grazing levels, and that no actions should be taken that lead to a decline in pony numbers.

This is more important than ever. Dartmoor's endangered Hill Ponies play a vital role in conservation grazing, helping control invasive Molinia grass in areas where other livestock struggle to graze. They are not a threat to biodiversity - they are an essential part of the solution.

The Association is also calling for existing grazing agreements to be extended until the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group reports in 2027, ensuring commoners are not forced to reduce or cull their semi-wild pony herds before new policies are in place.

The Government has said it wants to maintain Dartmoor's pony numbers. Now we need that commitment written into policy so these iconic ponies can continue to thrive on the moor.

Together we can help ensure that this welcome promise becomes lasting protection for Dartmoor's precious semi-wild Hill Ponies.

More details for the delivery of the petition to 10 Downing Street on 2nd September will be available in the next update but here is the link to the event.  We would LOVE to see you there!  https://fb.me/e/69yS3DOeE