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
December
The shortest days
December sees the final sale of the year of New Forest ponies at Beaulieu Road Pony Sale. Commoners will have been out across the Forest catching the last few mares and foals in preparation for the sale. Many ponies are not caught on the drifts and commoners will go out alone or in small groups to catch individual ponies.
In some years the acorn crop is heavy and commoners with the right of pannage are given an extension to continue turning their pigs out, this occasionally lasts until New Years Day. Commoners on the Crown lands, with a sow in pig, can also apply for a licence to continue turning her out so long as she returns home each night to sleep.
The Shared Forest
Latest News
Verderers election results revealed
27th November 2024
The outcome of the election for the two new New Forest Verderers has been revealed. Alison Tilbury and Kay Harrison received the most votes, scooping 207 and 182 votes ... READ MORE
New Forest CDA presentment at November Verderers’ Court
26th November 2024
New Forest CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton has delivered a message of thanks to the two outgoing elected Verderers this month. The terms of Graham Ferris and Dave Readhead come ... READ MORE
November update for New Forest CDA members
25th November 2024
New Forest CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton has issued his latest video update for November. He addressed a number of topics, including: the Hustings event for new elected ... READ MORE
Young Commoners’ presentment on New Forest bridges
21st November 2024
New Young Commoners chairperson Daisy Slocombe addressed the Verderers' Court this week. The presentment, which was made on behalf of the Young Commoners group, was regarding ... READ MORE
Candidates revealed for Verderers election
13th November 2024
Four commoners have put themselves forward to become an elected Verderer at the election later this month. They are Mark Ferrett, Kay Harrison, Gilly Jones and Alison ... READ MORE
Verderers of the New Forest confirm departure of clerk Sue Westwood
6th November 2024
The Verderers of the New Forest have confirmed that clerk Sue Westwood will be leaving at the end of the year. It brings to an end nearly 30 years service from her to the ... READ MORE
“They will be hard to see” – New Forest commoner’s warning to drivers
4th November 2024
A commoner has stressed the need for people to drive carefully across the New Forest, especially amid pannage season. As well as livestock such as ponies and cattle which are ... READ MORE
Andrew Parry-Norton issues update for New Forest CDA members
19th October 2024
The New Forest CDA's stance on the proposed new cycle network across the Forest, the BVD vaccine for cattle, and land encroachments were among the issues addressed by chair Andrew ... READ MORE
NFCDA October 2024 presentment regarding new proposed cycle network
18th October 2024
The NFCDA made a presentment regarding the new proposed cycle network at the October 2024 Verderers Court. The presentment was made by chair Andrew Parry-Norton on Wednesday, ... READ MORE
The perfect read for a better understanding of the New Forest
15th October 2024
Book review: The Nature of the New Forest by Clive Chatters Clive Chatters in The Nature of the New Forest brings to life the Forest, from its long history, the geology of its ... READ MORE
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