Save Dartmoor's Iconic & Ancient Semi-Wild Pony Herds

Rejected 10 signatures

What the petition asks

Government should exclude Dartmoor Ponies from Natural England's new grazing contracts expected to come into effect end of 2026.

They are a rare, ancient & endangered National Treasure that're preserving Dartmoor's biodiversity by eating invasive Molinia grass.

Dartmoor to lose its iconic wild pony herds thanks to new grazing contracts from 2026. Ponies included alongside cattle & sheep in total numbers of livestock permitted, thus competing with profitable livestock. Ponies protect Dartmoor biodiversity by eating Molinia grass.

In Dartmoor, invasive Molinia grass is choking out native plants & animal habitats, creating a barren monoculture. Ponies grazing clears spaces to allow native plant species to recover & thrive.

Why it was rejected

It was about a matter for a local council or devolved government, not the UK Government or Parliament.

We can’t accept petitions that call for action at a local level.

You could ask your MP to take action on your concerns about this issue, including by asking them to present a public (paper) petition about this.

You can find contact details for your local MP here: https://members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP

And you can find out how to ask your MP to present a public (paper) petition here: https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/sign-a-petition/paper-petitions/

You could also raise your issue with a local councillor who represents you. You can use this page to find out who your local councillors are, and how to contact them: https://www.gov.uk/find-your-local-councillors

Timeline

22 May 2026	Petition opened for signatures
15 Jun 2026	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 10

Status Rejected

Rejected 15 Jun 2026

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