CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed a Government announcement designed to safeguard the future of Dartmoor's iconic semi-wild Hill Ponies, describing it as a landmark victory for the moor's wildlife and cultural heritage.

The Government has confirmed that Dartmoor ponies will no longer be included in stocking rate calculations under new Environmental Management agreements.

The change means commoners should no longer have to reduce pony numbers in order to maintain sheep or cattle on the moor, addressing concerns that future farming schemes could have unintentionally threatened the long-term survival of the semi-wild herds.

Alongside the change, ministers announced that pony numbers will be monitored to help ensure populations remain stable, while a new dedicated pony supplement will be introduced as part of future farming support schemes.

The announcement implements Recommendation 27 of the independent Fursdon Review, which recognised Dartmoor's Hill Ponies as a genetically important, native breed and highlighted their value in conservation grazing across the moor.

The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association, which has led a campaign to protect the animals, said the decision follows months of lobbying and public support from more than 200,000 people.

Charlotte Faulkner, Chair of the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association, thanked the Secretary of State for backing the campaign and listening to those who had voiced concerns about the future of the ponies.

She said: ‘We would like to thank the Secretary of State for listening to over 220,000 people who care about the future of the semi-wild Dartmoor Hill Pony herds.

‘This will support Dartmoor's biodiversity, culture and tourism, keeping Dartmoor as we know and love it for generations to come’.

Describing the announcement as ‘wonderful news’, Ms Faulkner said campaigners had feared new grazing agreements could have placed commoners in the difficult position of choosing between keeping ponies on the moor and maintaining viable farm businesses.

‘Removing ponies from stocking rate calculations is exactly the assurance we have been asking for’, she said. ‘It means commoners should no longer be placed in the impossible position of having to choose between keeping ponies on the moor and maintaining viable farm businesses’.

She also thanked Defra, Natural England, Steve Race MP and the many supporters who helped bring the issue to national attention.

‘Most of all, we want to thank the more than 220,000 people who stood up for Dartmoor's ponies. Their voices have made a real difference’, she added.

The Association says the measures will benefit not only the ponies themselves but also biodiversity and farming across Dartmoor.

Hill Ponies play a vital role in conservation by feeding on coarse vegetation, including Molinia grass, helping to manage habitats in remote and exposed areas where other livestock can struggle.

Looking ahead, the Association says it hopes to work closely with Defra, Natural England and the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group to ensure the new arrangements are successfully implemented.

Association Secretary Joss Hibbs described the announcement as the start of a new chapter for Dartmoor's ponies.

‘This is a brilliant result, but it is also the beginning of the next chapter’, he said.

‘We now want to work constructively with everyone involved to make sure these protections are delivered on the ground.

‘Today (Wednesday, JUly 15) has shown what can happen when commoners, campaigners, politicians and the public come together for Dartmoor.

‘It is a victory for the ponies, but also for the moor itself’.