Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to protect Dartmoor ponies in the context of the publication of stocking densities for Countryside Stewardship schemes.

The Government recognises the importance of Dartmoor’s pony populations.

Grazing rates within the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier have been developed in line with evidence that moderate to low grazing can benefit biodiversity, soil carbon and natural flood management. These schemes offer a range of stocking densities, reflecting differing moorland habitats and conditions.

Ponies are supported through these schemes for their role in conservation grazing and, in this case, for their value to biodiversity as a native breed unique to Dartmoor. However, as with all livestock, they are included in stocking density calculations as they contribute to overall grazing pressure.

Defra will continue to monitor impacts on pony populations and consider mitigations where necessary to support their long‑term sustainability.