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
July
Commoners and their animals scrub up for the New Forest Show, and the CDA gets busy branding house nameplates for sale at the Show.
Some will be making hay while the sun shines, saving money from having to buy in winter hay, some training their young ponies, and others welcoming people to camp in their fields.
The Shared Forest
Latest News
How proposed options for local government revamp could impact New Forest commoners
11th July 2025
Chair of the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association (CDA), Andrew Parry-Norton, has outlined how the proposed options for local government reorganisation could impact ... READ MORE
Commoners urged to speak up amid local government shake-up
8th July 2025
Commoners with land or holdings in the Waterside and Totton areas are being urged to raise their concerns amid fears that proposed local government changes could impact their ... READ MORE
Three properties available to rent for New Forest commoners
1st July 2025
Forestry England is inviting applications from active New Forest commoners to rent three properties in the Forest. Full details of the properties and how commoners can apply for ... READ MORE
‘We have a responsibility to keep up the momentum’ – New Forest CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton’s Verderers’ Court presentment
30th June 2025
Andrew Parry-Norton delivered a presentment on the urgent need for a sustainable agri-environmental future for the New Forest at this month's sitting of Verderers' Court. The ... READ MORE
New Forest Show cattle classes announced
25th June 2025
The New Forest Agricultural Show Society has announced its special showcase of cattle classes for this year. Held annually in early July, the classes honour the vital role of ... READ MORE
Andrew Parry-Norton’s June update for New Forest CDA members
23rd June 2025
In his latest monthly video message to members, chair of the New Forest Commoners Defence Association, Andrew Parry-Norton, shares some key updates from across the Forest. Among ... READ MORE
Report reveals rising demand and limited supply of back-up grazing land for New Forest commoners
19th June 2025
A report has been published following a survey on the extent and location of back-up land for New Forest commoners. The survey, which was aimed at all commoners who turn ... READ MORE
How the New Forest Association helps to support commoning
18th June 2025
This summary of the New Forest Association's work was written by Sarah Nield, the organisation's new chair. The report was first published in the New Forest CDA annual review for ... READ MORE
Upkeep of Beaulieu Road saleyard by New Forest Livestock Society is ‘no mean task’
17th June 2025
This summary of the work involving the New Forest Livestock Society was written by its chair, Lucinda Lang. It was first published in the New Forest CDA annual report for ... READ MORE
New Forest CDA’s financial activities over past year
16th June 2025
This is the Treasurer's report by New Forest CDA committee member Richard Deakin. It was first published in the CDA's annual report for 2024/25. The year began with a ... READ MORE
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