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
Young Commoners to host guided New Forest walk at Beaulieu Road
22nd October 2025
Members of the public will have a chance to hear from three Young Commoners during a commoning themed walk in the New Forest. It is all part of the New Forest Walking Festival - ... READ MORE
Welcoming BBC South Today to the New Forest for Pannage season
17th October 2025
We were delighted to welcome a film crew from BBC South Today earlier this week, who visited our chair Andrew Parry-Norton's farm to report on the extension of this year’s ... READ MORE
New Forest Pannage season finish extended
10th October 2025
This year's Pannage season has been extended. It comes amid a glut of acorns on the floor of the New Forest due to it being a mast year. It had been due to finish at the end ... READ MORE
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
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