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.
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
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Commoning year
© 2018 Sally FearJanuary
January can be a tough start to the New Year, with commoners often caring for their animals in the dark and wet, having to fit it around their other work.
Latest News
January update from New Forest CDA: Andrew Parry-Norton on signage, animal accidents and local issues
23rd January 2026
The chair of the New Forest CDA Andrew Parry-Norton has delivered his monthly update to members. In his latest January video, he talks about a number of subjects including a ... READ MORE
‘Deeply distressing’ – New Forest CDA reaction as animal accidents increase in 2025
22nd January 2026
New Forest Commoners' Defence Association chair Andrew Parry-Norton has expressed his dismay as the number of accidents involving Commoners' livestock has increased. It comes ... READ MORE
Beaulieu Road pony sales dates revealed
16th January 2026
The New Forest Livestock Society has confirmed this year's dates for the pony sales at Beaulieu Road sale yard. The sales will take place on the following dates: Beaulieu ... READ MORE
Potential new abbatoir in Hampshire
12th January 2026
Members of the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association are being urged to write to Winchester City Council in support of a new abattoir in Hampshire. NCFDA chair Andrew ... READ MORE
Happy New Year from the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association
2nd January 2026
We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy New Year from the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association. Thank you for supporting commoning over the ... READ MORE
Landscape Recovery, car parking charges and food waste bins – December update for NFCDA members
17th December 2025
Our chair Andrew Parry-Norton has provided his final video update of the year to members of the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association. In the video he provides an update on ... READ MORE
Forestry England property near Lyndhurst available to rent for New Forest Commoners
15th December 2025
A Forestry England property near Lyndhurst has become available to rent for New Forest Commoners. Park Grounds Cottage in Clayhill is a three-bedroom detached cottage on the ... READ MORE
Salt licks placed around the New Forest to help protect livestock
9th December 2025
The salt licks are back out for a fifth year to help protect New Forest livestock. Two of our committee members - Bill Howells (pictured above) and Tony Vanderhoek - have ... READ MORE
Win big by supporting the New Forest Trust
5th December 2025
The New Forest Trust works to preserve, sustain and enhance the unique beauty and conservation value of the New Forest for future generations. It has helped the New Forest CDA ... READ MORE
New Forest CDA Mid-Term meeting proves a success
2nd December 2025
A big thank you to all New Forest CDA members who turned out for our Mid-Term meeting at Bramshaw Village Hall last month - it was an excellent turn out and we hope all who ... READ MORE
Top tips for enjoying the New Forest
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