Who are the Young Commoners?

The New Forest Young Commoners are a collection of Commoners under the age of 40 who serve as a voice for the younger generation. 

A New Forest Commoner is someone who has the right to turn out livestock onto the Forest. Rights are gained through owning or renting land/property which have Commoners’ rights.  

The Young Commoners committee was formed in 2007 to represent those who had recently joined the practice and help advocate for the future of our shared Forest. 

Encouraging and supporting young Commoners in their commitment to the New Forest must be a top priority for anyone who cares about the survival of this unique landscape. We are the future of the Forest. Without Commoners and their livestock, the New Forest as we know it simply would not exist. 

However, the challenges we face are significant. Housing and land to rent are becoming increasingly scarce, yet they are an essential foundation for Commoning. Without access to affordable housing and grazing land, it will become harder for the next generation to continue this centuries-old tradition. 

Our committee is dedicated to ensuring a bright future for young Commoners. With 15 active and passionate members, we work to protect Commoning traditions while adapting to modern challenges.  

Many of our members also serve on key committees such as the Commoners’ Defence Association, the New Forest Livestock Society, the New Forest Pony and Cattle Society, and the Forest Farming Group, ensuring the Young Commoners have a voice in shaping the policies that affect us. 

We actively raise concerns at the Verderers’ Court, held on the third Wednesday of every month in Lyndhurst (open to the public), addressing pressing challenges facing the Forest. Last year, we organised an educational talk aimed at improving the quality of ponies we breed; a crucial step in maintaining the hardiness and versatility of the New Forest pony.  

Events like these expand the knowledge of young Commoners and ensure that wisdom from experienced Commoners is passed down to future generations. 

What many people may not realise is that most Commoners juggle their traditional responsibilities alongside full-time jobs. Our commitment to Commoning fits around our day-to-day working lives, often requiring early mornings, late nights and weekends.  

Among our committee members, you’ll find NHS workers, a tree surgeon, university students, Forestry England employees and more, all sharing a passion for preserving the New Forest’s way of life. 

One of the highlights of our year is the New Forest Show, a key fundraising event for our committee. Here, we sell personalised, branded wooden plaques. This is more than just a fundraiser, the show provides an opportunity to engage with the public – educating both locals and tourists about the heritage of the New Forest, the importance of Commoning, and the New Forest Code.  

Funds raised at the show contribute to our Injured Stallion Fund’ a vital initiative set up by the committee to support New Forest stallion owners. This fund helps cover costs if a stallion is injured while fulfilling its role on the Forest.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about our heritage, and passion for the New Forest then please do not hesitate in emailing us – nfyoungcommoners@gmail.com

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2025 Young Commoners committee

Daisy Slocombe (Chair, pictured above)

Jake Moore (Vice Chair)

Steph Davies (Secretary)

Jonny Lovell (Treasurer)

Sophie Harvey

Lucy Fairman

Louise Wilding

Luke Blomfield

Ben Dolbear

Ines Mitchell

Tom Hordle

Matt Pooley

Amy Howells

Isaac Lovell

Rowan Cranton