Claim: "Natural England has recommended a 90% cull of Dartmoor ponies."
Natural England states:-
This is not true. Natural England has not recommended a cull of Dartmoor ponies. We do not have the power to order a cull, and we have not advised one.
What this means:-
This statement does not change Natural England’s approach to Dartmoor commons, it remains true that the impact of Natural England’s approach to agri-environment agreement negotiation on Dartmoor commons will cause the ‘irreversible removal’ of 67-92% of semi-wild Dartmoor Hill Ponies.
Claim: "Natural England is trying to remove ponies from Dartmoor."
Natural England states:-
This is false. Natural England wants to see ponies remain a central part of Dartmoor's grazing system. The Fursdon Review of Protected Site Management on Dartmoor, which Natural England fully supports, described the Dartmoor pony as invaluable for conservation grazing and genetically important. Our position is aligned with that finding.
What this means:-
Natural England has begun work to enter Dartmoor commons into Countryside Stewardship, which requires a 56-89% reduction in the number of all animal types on Dartmoor commons compared to now.
In addition, NE has decided to include semi-wild ponies in that reduced number, where previously they ran outside. Having to compete with commercial livestock for a place means the reduction to ponies is greater: 67-92%.
The ponies that Natural England wants to see as part of the Dartmoor grazing system is the 33-8% of the current pony population that will remain. This still requires ‘irreversible removal’ of the majority of ponies.
The NE position is not “aligned” with the Fursdon Review.
Paragraph 23.2 of the Fursdon Review stated “Dartmoor’s pony population is invaluable for conservation grazing and genetically important. We have seen industry estimates of a target population of between 1,000 and 2,500 head. Ponies and cattle should not be linked for the calculation of stocking rates and NE should not take actions likely to result in a reduction in their numbers.”
Fursdon Recommendation 27 of the Review stated: “Dartmoor’ s pony population is genetically important and invaluable for conservation grazing. Ponies and cattle should not be linked for the calculation of A-E agreement stocking rates and NE should not take actions likely to result in a decline in pony numbers.”
It would be false for NE to state that it is aligned with these findings and recommendations.
Claim: "Natural England's stocking restrictions will force commoners to get rid of their ponies."
Natural England states:-
Decisions about which animals are grazed on Dartmoor commons rest with individual landowners and commoners, not with Natural England. Our role is to provide evidence-based advice on to protect and restore designated habitats.
We are aware of concerns that including ponies in livestock unit calculations could lead some land managers favouring more commercially profitable cattle or sheep. Our advisers work closely with individual agreement holders to provide tailored advice to improve nature and support businesses.
What this means:-
The total number of cattle/sheep/ponies on a common is set by Natural England, as it is Natural England that has set the scheme grazing densities on the basis of the evidence they choose to take into account. In this reply, Natural England does not take accountability for the reduction required when the current contract for a common (Higher Level Stewardship) is ended and commoners are required to sign new contracts (Countryside Stewardship).
Neither does this statement take accountability for Natural England’s decision to include ponies in scheme stocking calendars, whereas in earlier schemes ponies ran to an agreed maximum outside of them.
This reply refers to the team decision made by a group of graziers, non-graziers and landowners with an interest in a common, to work out the split of cattle/sheep/ponies within the remaining 44-11% animals.
Including ponies in livestock unit calculations pits them against more commercially profitable cattle or sheep since there is no change in policy reported.
Claim: "Natural England is ignoring the importance of Dartmoor ponies to the landscape and local communities."
Natural England States:-
Dartmoor ponies and hill ponies are part of the cultural and ecological identity of Dartmoor, and Natural England’s advice recognises this fully.
What this means:-
It would be helpful if Natural England actions aligned with this recognition that Dartmoor ponies and hill ponies are part of the cultural and ecological identity of Dartmoor. If NE advice “recognises this in full” it could implement the recommendations of the independent Review of Dartmoor commissioned by DEFRA, undertaken by David Fursdon:-
Fursdon Review Paragraph 23.2 stated “Dartmoor’s pony population is invaluable for conservation grazing and genetically important. We have seen industry estimates of a target population of between 1,000 and 2,500 head. Ponies and cattle should not be linked for the calculation of stocking rates and NE should not take actions likely to result in a reduction in their numbers.”
Recommendation 27 of the Review stated: “Dartmoor’s pony population is genetically important and invaluable for conservation grazing. Ponies and cattle should not be linked for the calculation of A-E agreement stocking rates and NE should not take actions likely to result in a decline in pony numbers.”
Natural England has not changed the approach that will cause there to be a massively lower number of them in the landscape.
Claim: "Natural England's advice is harming an already endangered breed."
Natural England States:-
Natural England shares the concern about the future of Dartmoor ponies as a breed. Semi-wild Dartmoor Hill Ponies have been included on the Rare Breed Survival Trust watch list and they are recognised as an at-risk native heritage semi-feral population in Defra’s Native Breed Support list. They are also eligible for the Native Breed and moorland cattle/pony keeping supplements alongside registered pedigree Dartmoor ponies within our Environmental Land Management schemes.
We are committed to working with the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group to develop a collaborative plan that supports both nature recovery and the sustainable future of the Dartmoor pony
What this means:- Semi-wild Dartmoor Hill Ponies qualify for native supplements as part of the Countryside Stewardship agreement. These supplements can only be accessed after the 56-89% reduction in animals.
These supplements may only encourage there to be some ponies included in the split of cattle/sheep/pony within a total so reduced (44-11% of now) that it requires ponies to be culled to fit within it.
The 67-92% pony reduction that we quote is based on actual commons discussions and takes those supplements into account.
In deciding not to extend current Higher Level Stewardship, but move commons to Countryside Stewardship, Natural England is pre-judging the analysis of the Land Use Management Group and the studies it will be undertaking to find the optimal grazing levels and combinations for Dartmoor. Natural England has clearly indicated that it will require reduced Livestock Units, even if the Land Use Management Group concludes that this is not the best thing to do for Dartmoor Biodiversity when it reports. Natural England believes it knows best and will clearly not be swayed by counter-evidence by the Land Use Management Group.
Natural England then states its Position:-
Much of Dartmoor's moorland is currently in unfavourable condition, restoring it is vital for wildlife and for the communities that depend on it. Our advice on grazing management is part of that effort. It is evidence-based, it is developed in dialogue with those who manage the land. Natural England is committed to the long-term future of Dartmoor ponies and is working in partnership with commoners, landowners, and organisations such as the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association to achieve that.
In reply:-
Having completed the Freedom Of Information process and taken advice, the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association notes that Natural England has no scientific evidence to support the belief that further reduction in grazing densities will bring Environmental benefits or improvement to the condition of Dartmoor’s SSSIs.
It is, however, certain, if the semi-wild Dartmoor Hill Pony Population is included in stocking reduction, that the pony population will be decimated, with the loss of rare equine genetics, an essential tool in the management of invading Molinia grass and a key part of Dartmoor’ tradition and culture.
It is also certain that further reduction of livestock numbers will bring negative socio-economic impacts.
The number of semi-wild Dartmoor Hill Ponies should not be reduced by even one until robust scientific research has been completed to find the correct approach to benefit Dartmoor’s biodiversity.
The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association is grateful for the support for Dartmoor’s ponies from Ministers and MPs, including several MPs across Devon and Cornwall who have taken the time to visit and learn about Dartmoor and its ponies. We would be grateful if Natural England would align with the commitment of ministers, MPs to Dartmoor and the recommendations of the Fursdon Review: Paragraph 23.2 stated “Dartmoor’s pony population is invaluable for conservation grazing and genetically important. We have seen industry estimates of a target population of between 1,000 and 2,500 head. Ponies and cattle should not be linked for the calculation of stocking rates and NE should not take actions likely to result in a reduction in their numbers.”
The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association has written to both Defra and Natural England requesting meetings, but there are currently no dates in the diary. The Association would be delighted to start discussions to find a truly sustainable future for the semi-wild Dartmoor Hill Pony but, until Natural England’s approach changes, the threat of an imminent ‘irreversible reduction’ in pony numbers remains a very real, unacceptable and imminent threat.