About Commoning

The commoning community are a vibrant and diverse community of people who come from all walks of life. Individually they have rights to turn ponies, cattle, pigs, donkeys and sheep out to graze and browse the New Forestโ€™s woodlands, heathlands and lawns. Together the commoners and their animals have shaped the New Forest for generations. There are five Forest Rights:

Pasture, Mast, Estovers, Turbary and Marl

Commoning year

ยฉ 2018 Sally Fear

February

Preparing for Spring, and judging takes place of New Forest Ponies that have spent the whole winter on the Open Forest.

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The Shared Forest

COMMONERS
ยฉ 2018 Sally Fear
YOU & THE 
FOREST
ยฉ 2018 Sally Fear

Latest News

January update from New Forest CDA: Andrew Parry-Norton on signage, animal accidents and local issues

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

‘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
A pony at Beaulieu Road sales yard

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

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
New Forest

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
New Forest CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton

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
Park Grounds Cottage, Clayhill, Lyndhurst

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

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

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
Ponies in the New Forest

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

Commoning Voices

Business Group

Learn more about commoning with our FAQs

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