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 Forestโs 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
July
Commoners and their animals scrub up for the New Forest Show, and the CDA gets busy branding house nameplates for sale at the Show.
Some will be making hay while the sun shines, saving money from having to buy in winter hay, some training their young ponies, and others welcoming people to camp in their fields.
The Shared Forest
Latest News
‘We have a responsibility to keep up the momentum’ – New Forest CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton’s Verderers’ Court presentment
30th June 2025
Andrew Parry-Norton delivered a presentment on the urgent need for a sustainable agri-environmental future for the New Forest at this month's sitting of Verderers' Court. The ... READ MORE
New Forest Show cattle classes announced
25th June 2025
The New Forest Agricultural Show Society has announced its special showcase of cattle classes for this year. Held annually in early July, the classes honour the vital role of ... READ MORE
Andrew Parry-Norton’s June update for New Forest CDA members
23rd June 2025
In his latest monthly video message to members, chair of the New Forest Commoners Defence Association, Andrew Parry-Norton, shares some key updates from across the Forest. Among ... READ MORE
Report reveals rising demand and limited supply of back-up grazing land for New Forest commoners
19th June 2025
A report has been published following a survey on the extent and location of back-up land for New Forest commoners. The survey, which was aimed at all commoners who turn ... READ MORE
How the New Forest Association helps to support commoning
18th June 2025
This summary of the New Forest Association's work was written by Sarah Nield, the organisation's new chair. The report was first published in the New Forest CDA annual review for ... READ MORE
Upkeep of Beaulieu Road saleyard by New Forest Livestock Society is ‘no mean task’
17th June 2025
This summary of the work involving the New Forest Livestock Society was written by its chair, Lucinda Lang. It was first published in the New Forest CDA annual report for ... READ MORE
New Forest CDA’s financial activities over past year
16th June 2025
This is the Treasurer's report by New Forest CDA committee member Richard Deakin. It was first published in the CDA's annual report for 2024/25. The year began with a ... READ MORE
Reminder signs out to urge people to respect New Forest livestock
13th June 2025
The CDA's yellow signs have been placed back out across the New Forest to remind everyone to act responsibly around free-roaming livestock. These signs, placed in key locations ... READ MORE
Housing updates and Commoners’ Dwelling scheme
12th June 2025
This report by New Forest CDA member Sam Dovey was first published in the CDA's annual report for 2024/25. Towards the end of 2024, two Forestry England properties became ... READ MORE
Commoners and livestock benefit from New Forest Trust grants
10th June 2025
New Forest commoners and their livestock have benefitted from several generous grants given to the CDA by the New Forest Trust. The Trust, which funds projects aimed at helping ... READ MORE
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