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
October
Winter preparations are well underway, with some animals starting to be brought back in to back-up land and the October foal sale is held at Beaulieu Road
The Shared Forest
Latest News
Pannage season 2025
6th October 2025
Pannage season is well under way in the New Forest. The annual practice sees pigs let out by Commoners to roam freely in woodlands (especially oak and beech forests) to forage ... READ MORE
New Forest CDA, Forestry England and Natural England – working together for the good of the Forest
30th September 2025
Partnership is at the heart of caring for the New Forest. This summer, representatives from the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association (CDA), Forestry England and Natural ... READ MORE
New Forest CDA presentments on Pannage season and railway fencing at Verderers’ Court
19th September 2025
The New Forest CDA made two presentments this week during Verderers' Court at King's Hall in Lyndhurst. The first concerned Pannage season, which started on Monday, September ... READ MORE
New Forest Commoners urged to have say on Solent Gateway 2
18th September 2025
A major new development is being planned which could have a large impact on the New Forest and Commoners. Solent Gateway has announced its proposals for Solent Gateway 2, an ... READ MORE
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
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
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
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
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