New Forest drift season 2026 dates announced

The Verderers of the New Forest have released the dates for this year’s drift season.

The annual event is a key part of traditional stock management in the Forest, bringing together Commoners to gather, check and care for their animals.

The season takes place across the Forest from the middle of August through to the beginning of November.

Read more: New Forest Drifts – what they are, why they take place and advice to public

The drifts follow a long-established calendar and play an essential role in maintaining the welfare of the livestock that roam freely in the New Forest.

This year’s drifts will be as follows (all drifts begin at 10am unless otherwise stated):

August

• Sunday 16 August (9am) – Ipley
• Wednesday 19 August – Bratley / Broomy
• Sunday 23 August (9am) – Durhill
• Wednesday 26 August – Hale / Turf Hill
• Friday 28 August – Newbridge
• Sunday 30 August – Backley

September

• Wednesday 2 September (9am) – Latchmoor, Brockenhurst
• Friday 4 September – Slufters
• Sunday 6 September (9am) – Hilltop / Hardley
• Friday 11 September – Culverley
• Sunday 13 September (9am) – Beaulieu Aerodrome
• Tuesday 15 September (9am) – Wilverley / Markway
• Saturday 19 September (9am) – Blackfield / Hilltop
• Sunday 20 September (9am) – Burley Lawn / Burley Rocks
• Tuesday 22 September – Penn Common
• Friday 25 September – Weirs, Brockenhurst
• Sunday 27 September (9am) – East Boldre
• Wednesday 30 September – Fritham / Turfhill

October

• Friday 2 October – Ashurst
• Sunday 4 October – Stoney Cross
• Tuesday 6 October – Longslade
• Friday 9 October – Wootton
• Sunday 11 October (9am) – Balmer Lawn
• Tuesday 13 October – Lyndhurst Racecourse
• Friday 16 October – Picket Post / Linford
• Sunday 18 October (9am) – Ober
• Tuesday 20 October – Pondhead
• Sunday 25 October (9am) – Withybeds

November

• Sunday 1 November (9am) – Furzey Lodge
• Saturday 7 November (9am) – Holmsley