Save Dartmoor's Iconic & Ancient Semi-Wild Pony Herds — 10 signatures. Status: rejected.
Government should exclude Dartmoor Ponies from Natural England's new grazing contracts expected to come into effect end of 2026. They are a rare, ancient & endangered National Treasure that're preserving Dartmoor's biodiversity by eating invasive Molinia grass.
Dartmoor to lose its iconic wild pony herds thanks to new grazing contracts from 2026. Ponies included alongside cattle & sheep in total numbers of livestock permitted, thus competing with profitable livestock. Ponies protect Dartmoor biodiversity by eating Molinia grass. In Dartmoor, invasive Molinia grass is choking out native plants & animal habitats, creating a barren monoculture. Ponies grazing clears spaces to allow native plant species to recover & thrive.
View this petition on the official UK Parliament website