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
New Forest Mare & FoalMay
The first foals beging to arrive, progeny of the stallions selected and turned out last summer. One of the year's two "welfare tours" take place, with a range of national and local organisations setting out in buses from the Verderers Court to assess the condition of the herds around the Forest.
AT the Beaulieu Road saleyard the Spring sale is held.
The Shared Forest
Latest News
How the Beaulieu Road pony sales keep a New Forest commoning tradition alive
20th May 2026
New Forest pony sales stretch back centuries and form a fundamental part of the commoning calendar. They are far more than just a commercial outlet to buy or sell ponies, ... READ MORE
New Forest Commoners urged to stay vigilant as chair Andrew Parry-Norton issues update
13th May 2026
New Forest Commoners' Defence Association chair Andrew Parry-Norton has shared his latest monthly video update, covering everything from the importance of protecting commoning ... READ MORE
New Forest stallions released for 2026 season
11th May 2026
A total of 25 New Forest stallions have been released today (Monday, May 11) to mark the start of breeding season with the free-roaming mares in the Forest. The stallions will ... READ MORE
Two properties available to rent for New Forest Commoners from summer 2026
6th May 2026
The New Forest CDA has been made aware of two new properties coming up for rent under the Forestry England housing review scheme for Commoners. Godshill Wood Cottage in ... READ MORE
Nominate a Commoning Champion for the New Forest Awards 2026
5th May 2026
Nominations are now open for the New Forest Awards 2026 – a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the people, projects and traditions that make the New Forest so special. There ... READ MORE
New Forest Commoners and national minority status – what it all means
22nd April 2026
The Government has now recognised New Forest Commoners under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM). The Ministry for Housing, Communities ... READ MORE
New Forest CDA raises key issues at Verderers Court
21st April 2026
The New Forest Commoners Defence Association (CDA) delivered two short presentments highlighting ongoing matters affecting Commoners and the wider Forest at April's Verderers' ... READ MORE
New Forest Commoners recognised as a national minority
10th April 2026
New Forest Commoners have been formally recognised by the UK Government as a national minority under the Council of Europe's Framework Convention for the Protection of National ... READ MORE
New Forest local government reorganisation (LGR) decision confirmed by Government
25th March 2026
Residents of the New Forest district will be served by two new unitary councils from April 2028. The announcement was made by the Government on Wednesday amid local government ... READ MORE
New Forest CDA presentments at Verderers Court – food vans in car parks and survey reminder
25th March 2026
Andrew Parry-Norton, chair of the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association (CDA), delivered two presentments at this month's Verderers' Court. He raised concerns on behalf of ... READ MORE
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