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 Forest’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
August
The first drifts of the Autumn take place in August and the New Forest Pony breed shows takes place
The Shared Forest
Latest News
Forestry England property in Linford available to rent for New Forest Commoners
21st August 2025
A Forestry England property in Linford has become available to rent for New Forest Commoners from this autumn. Linford Cottage near Ringwood is a three-bedroom detached house ... READ MORE
New Forest Drifts – what they are, why they take place and advice to public
21st August 2025
Every autumn, the New Forest comes alive as the free-roaming ponies, cattle and donkeys are rounded up as part of Drift season. The Drifts, which take place over several ... READ MORE
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
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