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.
