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
The Shared Forest
Latest News
From drought to deluge: Head agister reflects on how New Forest Commoners’ livestock coped during challenging year
18th June 2026
This article by Head Agister and New Forest CDA committee member Jonathan Gerrelli was first published in the CDA’s annual report for 2025. Over the past year the New Forest ... READ MORE
Forest future, equine flu and partnership working – Andrew Parry-Norton’s monthly New Forest CDA update
12th June 2026
New Forest Commoners' Defence Association chair, Andrew Parry-Norton, has issued his latest video update to members. Speaking this week from his home in Cadnam, Andrew talks ... READ MORE
Why keeping on top of encroachments remains so important for New Forest Commoners
10th June 2026
This article by New Forest CDA committee member and chair of the encroachments sub committee James Young was first published in the CDA’s annual report for 2025. The work of ... READ MORE
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
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