'At risk' Dartmoor Ponies face fight for survival

The future of the endangered Heritage Dartmoor Pony has received a significant boost as the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) secures crucial funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This grant marks a vital step in safeguarding the survival of this iconic breed, deeply woven into the landscape and culture of Dartmoor National Park.

Heritage Dartmoor Ponies are native to the moorlands of Dartmoor National Park, where they have lived for centuries. Known for their resilience and versatility, these ponies are integral to the area’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Mike Lithgow, chairman of the DPHT, expressed the charity’s delight at the funding announcement: “This grant funding is a massive vote of confidence in our charity and our work to protect the Heritage Dartmoor Pony. It will enable us to elevate our conservation efforts and secure the future of this remarkable breed.”

The DPHT aims to reverse the alarming decline of the Heritage Dartmoor Pony, classified as “at risk” by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Currently, only 300 ponies remain on Dartmoor - well below the 500 required to maintain genetic diversity and reduce the risk of extinction.

The grant will support a comprehensive conservation plan addressing key challenges, including grazing restrictions, changes in land use, and limited markets for geldings and colts. Conservation grazing strategies will be implemented to boost biodiversity while managing invasive species like purple moor grass. Additionally, the DPHT will work with breeders and upland keepers to ensure sustainable practices.

Debbie Leach, the charity’s project lead and architect of the successful funding application, said: “Heritage Dartmoor Ponies are an intrinsic part of Dartmoor’s fabric. This funding allows us to address the challenges they face and promote their cultural and ecological importance.”

The DPHT plans to launch educational programmes and online resources to raise public awareness of the ponies’ plight. Schools, local communities, and visitors will be engaged through events, guided walks, and interactive resources. The goal is to foster greater understanding and advocacy for the breed’s conservation.

Partnerships with local stakeholders, including conservation groups and the Duchy of Cornwall, will amplify the charity’s efforts. A new collaboration with the Dartmoor-wide Land Use Management Group aims to integrate the Heritage Dartmoor Pony into broader conservation planning for the national park.

“We are extremely grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their support,” Lithgow added. “This funding has come at a critical time for the Heritage Dartmoor Pony. We also owe our thanks to the volunteers, staff, and supporters whose dedication made this possible.”

The year-long project will set the stage for long-term preservation and population growth of the breed, ensuring its survival for generations to come.