A TRUST has responded to the independent review of Dartmoor. 

The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) has welcomed the findings of the review, as it said the role of heritage Dartmoor ponies as 'conservation grazers' is invaluable to maintain and restore the health of the moorland environment. 

The independent review panel said: “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 Natural England should not take actions likely to result in a reduction in their numbers.”

Last month, the charity welcomed two panel members to its parke headquarters for discussions. 

Responding to the report, DPHT CEO Debbie Leach says she’s pleased to see the Panel has taken on board some of the charity’s recommendations. 

“Our heritage Dartmoor ponies do not just encapsulate the spirit of Dartmoor, the independent review recognises they are important ‘conservation grazers’ and help save nature and biodiversity on the moor at a time when many wildlife species are under threat," she said.

"We are delighted that the independent review has called for ponies not to be disadvantaged by Natural England’s future plans.  Natural England have said they are listening, and we look forward to see how their plans evolve.

“We are delighted with the review’s recommendation that cattle and ponies should be categorised separately when calculating stocking rates on the moor.  It will hopefully help reduce the damaging need for Dartmoor’s farmers to choose between the two.

“DPHT is keen to see the practical impact of the independent reviews’ recommendations on the management of Dartmoor.  We need to see these recommendations translate into action on the ground to benefit Dartmoor’s traditional pony herds, natural heritage and wildlife, and to help tackle climate change and its impacts at this critical time.”