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

September

The drift season is in full swing and the first of the Autumn sales is held at Beaulieu Road. Pigs go out to pannage for the Autumn

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The Shared Forest

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

Latest News

New Forest CDA Mid-Term meeting – save the date

New Forest CDA Mid-Term meeting – save the date

8th September 2025

Please save the date! The mid-term meeting for the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association is being held at 7.30pm on Friday, 14th November at Bramshaw Village Hall (SO43 ... READ MORE

New Forest pig farmers invited to free workshop ahead of pannage season

New Forest pig farmers invited to free workshop ahead of pannage season

3rd September 2025

Pig farmers in the New Forest are encouraged to attend an expert advice workshop with a local vet. Alex Crook, from Pilgrims Vets in Fordingbridge, will be holding a question ... READ MORE

Folk on the Farm Festival – An evening of music, food and fun in the New Forest

Folk on the Farm Festival – An evening of music, food and fun in the New Forest

26th August 2025

Looking for the perfect summer evening filled with live music, great food, and a warm community spirit?  Then Folk on the Farm Festival is the place to be! Enjoy an evening of ... READ MORE

Forestry England property in Linford available to rent for New Forest Commoners

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
A New Forest Drift in progress

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
Ben Dolbear and Andrew Parry-Norton

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
Bramble: Champion Cow 2024 owned by James Young

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

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

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
New Forest CDA stand at the New Forest Show

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

Commoning Voices

Business Group

Learn more about commoning with our FAQs

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