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
The Shared Forest
Latest News
How New Forest Commoners can track equine flu outbreaks
14th September 2026
With equine influenza continuing to be a concern for horse owners and Commoners in the New Forest, it is important to stay informed about reported outbreaks and take appropriate ... READ MORE
Save the date: New Forest CDA mid-term meeting
7th September 2026
New Forest CDA members are warmly invited to the mid-term meeting which will be taking place in November. It will be held at Bramshaw Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm on ... READ MORE
New Forest pannage season dates confirmed for 2026
3rd September 2026
The dates for this year’s New Forest pannage season have been confirmed. Pigs will be turned out by Commoners across the Forest from Monday, 14 September until Sunday, 29 ... READ MORE
October Beaulieu Road pony sales cancelled
27th August 2026
The next pony sales at Beaulieu Road, scheduled to take place in early October, has been cancelled. It comes amid the ongoing outbreak of equine flu in the New Forest, which ... READ MORE
UPDATE: New Forest Drifts postponed after equine flu outbreak
25th August 2026
The Verderers of the New Forest have announced the start of the Drift season has been postponed due to the ongoing outbreak of equine flu. As a result, no Drifts will take ... READ MORE
New Forest Commoners recognised in 2026 New Forest Awards
30th July 2026
Members of the New Forest commoning community were among those honoured at the 2026 New Forest Awards, celebrating the people whose dedication helps protect the unique landscape, ... READ MORE
More than 50 businesses join New Forest Drive Safe campaign
23rd July 2026
More than 50 businesses across the New Forest have now signed up to the New Forest Drive Safe campaign to help protect animals and improve road safety. The initiative, led ... READ MORE
New Forest CDA raises Cadnam Cricket Club concerns at Verderers Court
22nd July 2026
New Forest CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton has raised concerns about the activities of Cadnam Cricket Club and the impact they are having on the Open Forest. Addressing Verderers ... READ MORE
New Forest CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton shares equine flu warning and commoning update
17th July 2026
New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA) chair Andrew Parry-Norton has urged people not to leave buckets of water out for New Forest ponies as the outbreak of equine flu ... READ MORE
Come and visit the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association at the New Forest Show
14th July 2026
With just two weeks to go until the New Forest and Hampshire County Show, we are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association (CDA) ... READ MORE
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