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
Beaulieu Road sale yard – Thursday 9th October
Beaulieu Road sale yard – Thursday 6th November (tentative pre-sale foal show)
Timed Online Sale – Friday 28th November to Wednesday 3rd December
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About Commoning
About the New Forest Commoners Defence Association
Explore what we do
Commoning year
August
The first drifts of the Autumn take place in August and the New Forest Pony breed shows takes place
Latest News
Two New Forest Commoners honoured at 2025 New Forest Awards
6th August 2025
Two Commoners and members of the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association have been recognised at this year’s New Forest Awards. Organised by the New Forest National Park ... READ MORE
Entries open for 2025 Breed Show Cattle Classes – including new ‘Commoners Beef Herd’ Class
4th August 2025
Entries are officially open for the 2025 New Forest Pony & Cattle Breeding Society Annual Breed Show – and once again, the spotlight is on the cattle classes, an essential ... READ MORE
Bumper acorn crop expected as New Forest pannage season dates confirmed
28th July 2025
A bumper acorn crop is expected across the New Forest this year. As a result, Forestry England and The Verderers of the New Forest have confirmed the 2025 pannage season will ... READ MORE
New Forest Commoners pushing for recognition as a minority group
24th July 2025
A new initiative is underway to explore whether New Forest Commoners could be formally recognised as a minority group. The primary purpose is to help protect Commoners' unique ... READ MORE
Discover the New Forest CDA stand at this year’s New Forest Show
23rd July 2025
Visitors to this year’s New Forest Show are warmly invited to stop by the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association (CDA) stand, to learn about one of the Forest’s oldest and ... READ MORE
New Forest Commoners voice concerns on fallen timber and food waste bins at Verderers’ Court
22nd July 2025
At this month’s sitting of Verderers’ Court, Andrew Parry-Norton, chair of the New Forest Commoners Defence Association (CDA), delivered two presentments highlighting urgent ... READ MORE
Wildfire risks and pony welfare – Help protect New Forest for future generations
16th July 2025
The New Forest is a living, working landscape which is rich in tradition, natural beauty and shared responsibility. New Forest Commoners play a vital role in its care and ... READ MORE
How proposed options for local government revamp could impact New Forest commoners
11th July 2025
Chair of the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association (CDA), Andrew Parry-Norton, has outlined how the proposed options for local government reorganisation could impact ... READ MORE
Commoners urged to speak up amid local government shake-up
8th July 2025
Commoners with land or holdings in the Waterside and Totton areas are being urged to raise their concerns amid fears that proposed local government changes could impact their ... READ MORE
Three properties available to rent for New Forest commoners
1st July 2025
Forestry England is inviting applications from active New Forest commoners to rent three properties in the Forest. Full details of the properties and how commoners can apply for ... READ MORE
Top tips for enjoying the New Forest
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