Dartmoor ponies boost wildlife restoration at Bellever

A recent scientific study by the University of Plymouth, commissioned by the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) in partnership with Natural England, has revealed that an increase in the number of native Dartmoor ponies could significantly improve wildlife habitats on the moorland. 

The findings have led to an approved increase in pony numbers at the Bellever site, potentially reversing a worrying decline in wildlife.

Natural England's new management strategies for Dartmoor National Park, supported by the research, indicate that these native ponies are crucial for restoring high-quality heathland habitats across large areas of Dartmoor and the UK.

The DPHT, which leases an 82-hectare site at Bellever from Forestry England within a larger 450-hectare area, has managed a herd of around 25 ponies there since 2006. Supported by a Higher-Level Stewardship agreement, which includes educational access components, the herd’s population can now increase from 25 to 30 in winter and up to 40 in summer.

Malcolm Snelgrove, Chairman of DPHT, expressed his delight at this development: “We are thrilled to be able to increase the number of ponies at Bellever. The research concluded before the pandemic showed the positive impact of pony grazing, particularly in reducing Molinia caerulea grass cover and increasing ericaceous dwarf shrubs. These findings are crucial for the future shaping of the National Park.”

The University of Plymouth conducted the research from 2017 to 2021, and the study's results, published in the Conservation Evidence journal, suggest that Dartmoor ponies significantly contribute to conservation management. 

The DPHT’s study gathered scientific evidence on the benefits of ponies as conservation grazers, promoting habitat restoration and biodiversity.

As many High Level Environment Stewardship agreements on Dartmoor are set to expire during the transition to the Government’s new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS), the DPHT hopes for an increase in Dartmoor pony numbers across more areas to aid nature recovery in the National Park.

Conservation grazing, which uses livestock to manage habitats and wildlife interest, is especially effective with Dartmoor ponies. 

Known for their hardiness and even temperament, these ponies can consume plants other livestock avoid. 

Their grazing habits prevent the dominance of coarse grass species and gorse, creating a diverse habitat that supports various wildlife and reduces fire risk.

Moreover, Dartmoor ponies’ unique behaviour of creating ‘latrines’ attracts numerous invertebrates, providing a food source for reptiles and birds. 

The ponies’ grazing and trampling help manage tough Molinia grass, which dominates heathland habitats and poses a fire hazard. 

The study showed a reduction in Molinia cover and height, with a 30 per cent increase in ericaceous dwarf shrub cover.

The positive impact of Dartmoor ponies is also evident at the RSPB Labrador Bay in Devon, where their grazing supports the habitat of the Cirl Bunting, a rare bird species.

A 2022 bird survey at Bellever revealed an increase in tree pipits, new winchat territories, and Redstarts, all red-listed species. 

Dr. Paul Lunt, Associate Professor of Environmental Science at the University of Plymouth, highlighted the challenge of managing Molinia sustainably and emphasised that ponies are part of the solution.

Natural England welcomed the study’s results, which provide strong evidence of the positive impact of pony grazing. 

These findings have been shared with DEFRA and will influence the future Environmental Land Management System (ELMS).