Welcome
Discover the real New Forest – an incredible living, working landscape, shaped over centuries by the animals that graze it, and the people who own and care for them – the Commoners.
Ordinary people, with ordinary jobs, but with an extraordinary commitment.
If you want reliable, straightforward answers to your questions about the New Forest and prefer fact over folklore then this is the site for you. Please do explore.
We’ve included more information than ever before.
If you know what you’re looking for then do use the Search button above to go straight to the right place.
You can also support us by applying to join the NFCDA. You don’t need to be a Commoner to join as an Associate Member.
Beaulieu Road pony sales dates for 2025
Timed Online Sale – Friday 28th November to Wednesday 3rd December
New Forest Drive Safe
Find out more and sign up to the New Forest Drive Safe initiative here
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About Commoning
About the New Forest Commoners Defence Association
Explore what we do
Commoning year
November
The final drifts take place and commoners adjust to the longer nights, but commoning activities must go on regardless
Latest News
New Forest CDA 2026 calendar is out
13th November 2025
We're delighted to announce our calendar for 2026 has arrived. It features some lovely shots from across the New Forest to help showcase our centuries-old tradition. New ... READ MORE
New Forest CDA hosts Mid-Term meeting with guest talks on livestock and wildlife
10th November 2025
All members of the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association are invited to attend the Mid-Term meeting taking place this Friday - November 14 - and starting at 7.30pm at ... READ MORE
Commoners encouraged to help shape New Forest’s future
30th October 2025
The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) is inviting all residents - including the commoning community - to share their views in its latest residents’ survey. It represents ... READ MORE
Local businesses urged to join New Forest Drive Safe campaign
24th October 2025
Businesses across the New Forest are being asked to play their part in keeping the Forest’s roads and its iconic animals safe. The New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association ... READ MORE
New Forest CDA’s presentment at Verderers’ Court on parking charges introduction
23rd October 2025
The New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA) has called on all revenue raised through Forestry England’s new car parking charges to be reinvested directly into the New ... READ MORE
Young Commoners to host guided New Forest walk at Beaulieu Road
22nd October 2025
Members of the public will have a chance to hear from three Young Commoners during a commoning themed walk in the New Forest. It is all part of the New Forest Walking Festival - ... READ MORE
Welcoming BBC South Today to the New Forest for Pannage season
17th October 2025
We were delighted to welcome a film crew from BBC South Today earlier this week, who visited our chair Andrew Parry-Norton's farm to report on the extension of this year’s ... READ MORE
New Forest Pannage season finish extended
10th October 2025
This year's Pannage season has been extended. It comes amid a glut of acorns on the floor of the New Forest due to it being a mast year. It had been due to finish at the end ... READ MORE
Pannage season 2025
6th October 2025
Pannage season is well under way in the New Forest. The annual practice sees pigs let out by Commoners to roam freely in woodlands (especially oak and beech forests) to forage ... READ MORE
New Forest CDA, Forestry England and Natural England – working together for the good of the Forest
30th September 2025
Partnership is at the heart of caring for the New Forest. This summer, representatives from the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association (CDA), Forestry England and Natural ... READ MORE
Top tips for enjoying the New Forest
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