Rhossili cliff horses win reprieve after National Trust meeting

Local farmer Nicky Beynon, who has cared for the animals for generations, was asked to provide paperwork proving the horses’ grazing rights. Documents and history stretching back decades were presented to the Trust, confirming the legitimacy of the herd’s presence on the land.

Historic grazing rights proven

The National Trust, as landowner, had requested evidence to cover itself against any incidents involving the horses. After reviewing the paperwork, officials agreed the animals were entitled to remain.

Nicky Beynon said the horses “wouldn’t be there if they weren’t allowed,” stressing that the herd has been part of Rhossili long before many residents — and even before the Trust itself.

Community calls for better communication

While the outcome was welcomed as a positive resolution, campaigners in the Rhossili Horse Action Group said the episode highlighted the need for clearer communication between the Trust and the local community.

Robert Morgan, who runs Rhossili Sunflowers and Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, posted an update thanking supporters for their offers of help and kind words. He noted that “lots of pressure” had been felt locally alongside the requirements from the Trust, but welcomed the agreement that the horses would stay.

Locals call for education and respect

The decision to let the horses stay was met with relief and celebration across Gower — but also calls for better public awareness.

Dave Thomas suggested the National Trust should now “educate some of the visitors in the etiquette of being around animals,” proposing volunteer wardens to give “toolbox talks” about common grazing.

Meriel Hall, who has lived on Gower for nearly 50 years, said the outcome was a reminder that “it’s us that need to change our behaviour — not the animals.”

Others raised concerns about safety. Gwen Johns urged more protection from “dogs off their leads and ignorant walkers who get too close for a selfie,” while Louise Eden called for “large, clear signage” and multilingual warnings to keep the public at a respectful distance.

Carole Meloni added: “One death is too many — it happens every year. It’s heartbreaking.”

Simon Bowkett praised both Nicky Beynon and Alan Kearsley of the National Trust for resolving the issue, saying: “Let’s hope the point remains seen now.”

What it means for Rhossili

The decision ends weeks of uncertainty after the Trust initially ordered the removal of the horses, sparking widespread outcry. With grazing rights now confirmed, the animals will continue to roam the cliffs — a sight cherished by residents and visitors alike.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Outcry as National Trust orders removal of Rhossili’s iconic cliff horses
Initial decision sparked widespread backlash and calls for transparency over grazing rights.

Gower Society denies involvement after claims in Rhossili pony dispute
Local group distances itself from controversy after being linked to the National Trust’s decision.

More National Trust news and updates
Explore the latest stories on conservation, land management, and community disputes across South West Wales.

#Farming #Gower #GowerFreshChristmasTrees #GowerPonies #horses #NationalTrust #Rhossili #RhossiliHorseActionGroup #Sunflower

Police crack down on speeding drivers after livestock deaths on Gower commons

Officers warn of dangers as nights draw in

PC Chadwick from the Gower Neighbourhood Policing team said the 40mph limit across the commons is a maximum, not a target:

“With the darker nights drawing in, it is more difficult to spot the cattle on the road. When passing the animals, please give lots of space and be ready for sudden movements by the animals.”

Police say speed enforcement vehicles will be deployed alongside local officers, with patrols targeting hotspots where animals roam freely. Collisions must by law be reported, even if the animal walks away, so farmers can be alerted to possible injuries.

Long‑standing safety concerns

The warning comes after years of concern about road safety on the commons. BBC News reported in 2018 that more than 100 animals were killed in collisions over a five‑year period, prompting calls for tougher enforcement. In 2024, campaigners again urged drivers to slow down, highlighting the ongoing risks to cattle, ponies and foals.

Tragic incidents highlight the risk

Several high‑profile crashes have shocked the community. In 2019, three cows died after being struck by a Mercedes. In 2021, a van collided with a cow, while other incidents have seen foals killed, sparking sadness and anger among residents.

Farmers say the commons are unique and part of what makes Gower special, but warn that careless driving continues to threaten both animals and people.

Police message to drivers

South Wales Police are urging motorists to respect the animals’ right to roam and adjust their driving to conditions:

“The commons are unique, and the livestock are part of what makes Gower special. We want everyone to enjoy the area safely — that means respecting the animals and the law.”

#cattle #fairwoodCommon #gower #gowerCommons #gowerPonies #horses #motoring #roadTrafficAccident #southWalesPolice #speeding

Gower Society denies involvement after claims in Rhossili pony dispute

Morgan, who runs Rhossili Sunflowers and Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, had posted that the Trust’s letter to farmer Nicky Beynon — giving him until 1 December to find a new home for the horses — followed pressure from “some residents and the Gower Society.” His comments fuelled speculation online and in the community.

National Trust: safety and numbers are the issue

In a statement to Swansea Bay News earlier this week, the National Trust Cymru said its action followed complaints about a stallion within the herd, which raised public safety concerns.

The Trust also confirmed it is reviewing the number of horses grazing on the common, which it believes exceeds the agreed limit under the commoner’s rights.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety of visitors, the welfare of the grazing animals and the ecological health of Rhossili,” a spokesperson said, adding that discussions with the owner were ongoing to “further understand the number that can remain on the common.”

“Nothing to do with us”

In its own statement, the Gower Society said:

“We are aware of rumours circulating that The Gower Society are being implicated in the issue of Gower ponies on Rhossili.

We would like it known that this is a matter between the National Trust and the owner of the ponies and nothing to do with the Gower Society in any way.”

The group, which works to preserve the peninsula’s landscape and heritage, said it wanted to set the record straight to avoid further misinformation.

Farmer says “zero communication”

In a fresh social media post, Robert Morgan said farmer Nicky Beynon wanted to thank the community for their “overwhelming support” and confirmed he has a meeting scheduled with the National Trust’s Alan Kearsley on Monday.

Morgan claimed there had been “zero communication” from the Trust before last week’s letter, which he said simply ordered the horses out by December unless proven otherwise, and demanded the stallion be removed immediately.

He added that other farmers were facing similar challenges, but welcomed that “at least we’ve been heard for once.”

Spotlight remains on National Trust decision

The Society’s denial leaves the focus firmly on the National Trust, which continues to defend its stance on safety, animal welfare and land management.

Campaigners, however, argue the ponies are an iconic part of Rhossili’s landscape and play a vital role in grazing vegetation, keeping paths open and supporting biodiversity.

They say they will continue pressing for a solution that allows the animals to remain.

#featured #Gower #GowerPonies #horses #NationalTrust

Outcry as National Trust orders removal of Rhossili’s iconic cliff horses

A December deadline that shocked the community

According to Robert Morgan, who runs Rhossili Sunflowers and Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, a letter was sent last week giving farmer Nicky Beynon until 1 December to find a new home for the horses.

Morgan said the decision followed pressure from some residents and the Gower Society, despite widespread local support for keeping the animals where they are.

The herd has been part of Rhossili’s landscape for decades, once cared for by the late Ernie Beynon, who tended the horses across Gower until his death aged 94. Supporters say the animals are not only a much‑loved sight for visitors but also play a vital role in grazing vegetation, keeping paths open, and supporting biodiversity.

Memories, fears and calls for action

The Facebook post by Rhossili Sunflowers has drawn thousands of responses, with many locals and visitors sharing memories and concerns.

• “This is awful, it’s been their home for years and years… May I suggest a petition to show the National Trust of the hundreds of people who still think the horses should stay on the cliffs of Rhossili. I would happily sign it,” wrote Mia Lizzie.
• Michael Macintosh admitted he worries about safety: “While I love the horses there, it fills me with fear every time I see them roaming down the cliff paths and edges… It’s definitely not fair forcing them off the land but would absolutely love the edge to be fenced for them to be that little bit safer.”
• Visitors from abroad also shared their affection. Andrea Kreft, from Germany, recalled: “Forty years ago we spent our honeymoon in Gower… we woke up to the sound of grazing ponies around our tent. Now our grandchildren have seen them too. If there will be a petition, I’ll sign.”
• Others spoke of lifelong ties. Hilary Stephenson said: “I grew up in Llangennith 40 plus years ago. The ponies grazing across Llanmadoc and Rhossili were part of the landscape. The Beynons have known and worked this land for so many years. It is such a shame.”
• Laura Cotton suggested conservation grazing may be at the heart of the issue: “Perhaps the NT feel they are overstocked. Be interested to hear their reasons.”
• Rebecca Tilly Rose added: “Incredibly sad decision and one I feel has been made without any thought to the ponies… They brought such joy to us this summer.”
• Lesley Hilliard described how seeing ponies on Gower as a child inspired a lifelong love of Welsh ponies: “Please don’t take these ponies off the common.”
• And Monica Jane McCarthy speculated safety concerns may be driving the move: “Gotta be because of tourists approaching them when being told not to… They’ve lost horses over the edge due to this, so it probably is for their own safety.”

Councillors step in to show support

Reform UK councillor Francesca O’Brien also posted about the issue, saying she and her father — Conservative councillor Richard Lewis — were “more than happy to support in any way we can.”

National Trust says safety and numbers are the issue

In a statement to Swansea Bay News, a National Trust Cymru spokesperson said:

“Following complaints about a stallion, which is part of the herd of horses on the common, we have written to the commoner who owns the horse asking them to move it elsewhere due to public safety concerns.

We are also reviewing the number of horses currently grazing on the common, which we believe exceeds the agreed limit in the commoner’s rights to graze.

Our priority is to ensure the safety of visitors, the welfare of the grazing animals and the ecological health of Rhossili.”

The Trust added that it is engaging with the owner to “further understand the number that can remain on the common.”

A landscape shaped by ponies and people

While the National Trust owns the common land at Rhossili, the management and care of livestock is the responsibility of commoners, who each hold rights to graze a set number of animals.

The horses have long been a defining feature of the headland, but recent years have seen tensions over safety and welfare. Earlier this year, two horses died at Rhossili — one falling from the cliffs, another losing an unborn foal after eating dog waste — prompting warnings from farmers and the Trust about the risks posed by visitors and dogs.

#Commoners #featured #Gower #GowerPonies #horses #Rhossili