Exmoor Ponies

Exmoor ponies are vital for the conservation of Exmoor’s moorlands.  They are expert conservation grazers, positively contributing to managing our moorland including the control of Molinia (a dominant native grass).  They are seen by Natural England as being very beneficial and part of the required conservation management of important habitats on Exmoor.  Overgrazing is generally not an issue on Exmoor’s moorlands and there has been no suggestion from Natural England that there needs to be a reduction in the number of Exmoor ponies on Exmoor’s moorlands.

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Natural England response regarding Dartmoor Ponies

Semi-wild Dartmoor ponies play a key role in the sustainable management of Dartmoor. Natural England (NE) are working with partners, including the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association, to ensure optimal numbers of Dartmoor ponies remain for generations to come.

Our grazing management advice reflects the importance of maintaining ponies as part of the overall balance of grazing animals on the Moor. We would like to see a more even distribution of livestock grazing across the moorland. Ponies play an important role in targeted restoration grazing of Molinia-dominated areas, this may even require additional livestock over time.

The Dartmoor Review has tasked the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group with developing a collaborative plan that pulls together the multiple management issues and interests at play on Dartmoor. We look forward to working through the Land Use Management Group to achieve this.

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Last updated 10 June 2026