The New Forest Livestock Society has announced changes to the remaining Beaulieu Road pony sales planned for the remainder of the year.

The sale scheduled for Thursday, 5 November at the sale yard has been cancelled, as has the online auction, which was due to take place between Friday, 27 November and Wednesday, 2 December.

However, a new sale has been arranged for Thursday, 3 December, which will take place at Beaulieu Road sale yard.

Entry forms will be made available in due course by Southern Counties Auctioneers.

Commoners planning to enter animals are advised to read the terms and conditions carefully when the entry form becomes available, as there are changes to the eligibility requirements for animals entered in Section 4.

Section 4 will be restricted to:

• Commoners with animals on which marking fees have been paid during 2026; or
• The dams of foals born in 2026

There will be no pre-sale foal show this year. Commoners intending to enter animals in the December sale should look out for further information and entry forms from Southern Counties Auctioneers.

These changes come amid the outbreak of equine flu over the summer, which resulted in the pony sale at Beaulieu Road sale yard in early October being cancelled.

The start of the Drift season was also delayed, with Drifts scheduled for August and September all cancelled. They are set to resume, however, at the start of October with far fewer cases now being reported.

The Verderers of the New Forest have will continue to monitor the situation closely.

New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association chair Andrew Parry-Norton has shared his latest thoughts on a number of issues during his latest video update

Andrew talks about his meeting with DEFRA minister Stephen Morgan, lessons from other commons, the growing threat of Bluetongue virus and the start of this year’s pannage season.

Making the case for the New Forest

At this year’s New Forest Show, Andrew met Stephen Morgan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at DEFRA to talk to him about the New Forest and some of the issues facing Commoners.

The conversation covered the unique nature of the Forest, the way it is managed and the funding needed to support the many different activities and responsibilities involved in looking after it.

Andrew said: ‘I really hope he (Stephen Morgan) understands what is happening here and why it is so unique.’

Learning from other commons

Andrew also recently attended a World Horse Welfare seminar in Somerset, which had representatives from several commons including Bodmin, Dartmoor and Exmoor.

One of the most striking issues to come out of it, according to Andrew, was the perceived lack of governance and overall responsibility on some commons. The result, said Andrew, was a serious animal welfare problem, with some ponies in very poor condition.

Andrew said the seminar left him particularly proud of the system that exists in the New Forest and the system of governance is something that should not be taken for granted.

Concerns around Bluetongue virus

Andrew also raised concerns about the increasing threat of Bluetongue, which can affect cattle, goats, sheep and camelids such as alpacas and can be fatal.

Cases have been moving closer to the New Forest, with Salisbury among the areas of concern.

Vaccination is available, although supplies have been limited. Commoners with cattle, goats, alpacas or other susceptible livestock are encouraged to speak to their vet about vaccination and taking appropriate precautions.

Pannage gets underway

This year’s pannage season began last Monday (September 14), with pigs being turned out to feed on fallen acorns and other fallen foods.

Andrew highlighted that this year is very different from last year’s mast year, when there was an exceptionally large crop of acorns.

There are far fewer acorns available this year, meaning Commoners need to keep a particularly close eye on their pigs and their condition.

Watch Andrew’s video in full below or on our Facebook page here

They added: ‘The Agisters have seen no ponies showing symptoms on the Forest for several weeks. However, cases continue to be reported on some private holdings in the Forest area.’

As a result, this year’s Drifts – which had been due to start in August – will start at the beginning of October, in accordance with the existing drift list.

The equine flu situation will be closely monitored as the Drifts progress and as throughout the outbreak, the Verderers will continue to be led by veterinary advice.

With equine influenza continuing to be a concern for horse owners and Commoners in the New Forest, it is important to stay informed about reported outbreaks and take appropriate precautions.

The EquiFluNet Viewer website provides an easy way to see where and when equine flu outbreaks have been reported in the Forest, elsewhere in the UK and also around the world.

Users can select a date range and use the interactive maps to see reported outbreaks by region, as well as graphs showing how outbreaks have developed over time.

The system includes detailed data from 2019 onwards, with links to historical information dating back to 2010.

The viewer is a useful way to monitor equine flu activity and can be particularly helpful when considering horse movements, attending sales, shows or other events where horses from different premises may come together (such as Drifts).

It is important to remember that EquiFluNet only shows reported, laboratory-confirmed outbreaks. Not every outbreak will necessarily be tested or reported, so an area with no recorded outbreaks does not mean that equine flu is not present.

If you are concerned that a horse may have equine influenza, contact your vet for advice. Early diagnosis can help with putting appropriate measures in place to reduce the risk of the disease spreading.

View EquiFluNet to check reported equine influenza outbreaks.

It is understood at least 40 ponies with equine flu in the New Forest have died.

New Forest CDA members are warmly invited to the mid-term meeting which will be taking place in November.

It will be held at Bramshaw Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm on Friday, 13 November.

The meeting is an important opportunity for members to come together, hear the latest updates and have their say on the issues affecting Commoners and commoning across the New Forest.

We will be sharing updates on the CDA’s work over the past year, looking ahead to the issues and challenges facing the commoning community, and giving members the opportunity to raise questions and discuss matters that are important to them.

Please put the date in your diary and come along – we look forward to seeing as many members there as possible.

The dates for this year’s New Forest pannage season have been confirmed.

Pigs will be turned out by Commoners across the Forest from Monday, 14 September until Sunday, 29 November.

Visitors are reminded to keep a safe distance from pigs and other livestock, and to follow the New Forest Code when travelling through the Forest.

Please also take extra care when driving, as animals may be close to or on the roads.

Pannage is one of the New Forest’s oldest commoning traditions.

During the season, Commoners turn out pigs onto the Forest to feed on fallen acorns, beechmast and other nuts.

This helps protect the Forest’s ponies, cattle and other livestock from the effects of eating too many acorns, which can be harmful and potentially fatal.

The next pony sales at Beaulieu Road, scheduled to take place in early October, has been cancelled.

It comes amid the ongoing outbreak of equine flu in the New Forest, which has sadly resulted in the death of at least 35 ponies.

A statement from Southern Counties Auctioneers, which runs the sales alongside the New Forest Livestock Society, read: ‘Due to the ongoing cases of equine flu in the New Forest, the Beaulieu Road Pony Sale scheduled for Thursday 8th October has been CANCELLED.

‘A decision will be made on the remaining sales of this year nearer the time, please keep an eye on our website as well as The New Forest Pony Breeding & Cattle Society website.’

The two other sales are scheduled to take place on Thursday, 5 November at Beaulieu Road, as well as a timed online sale from Friday, 27 November to Wednesday, 2 December.

The Verderers of the New Forest have announced the start of the Drift season has been postponed due to the ongoing outbreak of equine flu.

As a result, no Drifts will take place during August and September. The decision has been taken to help reduce the risk of further spreading the virus while efforts continue to manage the outbreak.

The Verderers said in a statement: ‘Due to the ongoing equine flu outbreak affecting the ponies in the New Forest the Verderers have taken the decision to postpone the 2026 Drifts. There will be no Drifts taking place in August or September.

‘Drifts in October and onwards will be subject to ongoing review depending on the status of the infection.’

Further updates on the 2026 Drift programme will be shared as soon as more information becomes available.

Members of the public can play an important role in helping to reduce the spread of disease. If visiting the New Forest:

• Keep your distance from all livestock, including ponies, donkeys and cattle
• Do not touch, pet or feed the animals
• If you own or work with horses elsewhere, avoid unnecessary contact with New Forest ponies and ensure good biosecurity measures are followed

The Verderers are following expert advice in light of the outbreak.

‘The Verderers are following veterinary advice which is to leave the affected ponies where they are to avoid causing them unnecessary stress and potentially spreading the virus further,’ they added.

‘Although mostly airborne the virus can be spread by contact with an affected animal.

‘The advice to horse riders and walkers is to give the ponies as wide a berth as is possible and not to allow ridden horses to drink from communal water troughs.’

Members of the New Forest commoning community were among those honoured at the 2026 New Forest Awards, celebrating the people whose dedication helps protect the unique landscape, traditions and rural economy of the New Forest.

Now in their 13th year, the awards are organised by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA). Winners and highly commended nominees were recognised at a special ceremony during the New Forest and Hampshire County Show at New Park, Brockenhurst, on Wednesday, 29 July.

This year’s awards saw outstanding recognition for the commoning community.

The Commoning Champion award was presented to Richard Deakin in recognition of his lifelong contribution to protecting and promoting the interests of commoning and Commoners.

Over many decades, Richard has served the commoning community in a wide range of roles. As a founder member of the New Forest Livestock Society, treasurer of the New Forest CDA and a long-serving Verderer, his dedication has helped shape and strengthen commoning for future generations.

Richard said: ‘Winning the Commoning Champion Award means a great deal to me. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the time and effort I’ve put in has been recognised, and that it’s helping, in some small way, to support the future of both commoning and the New Forest. That kind of encouragement gives you the motivation to keep going.’

The commoning community was also recognised through Gilly Jones, who was highly commended in the Commoning Champion category.

The judges noted that she consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty, making an invaluable contribution through both her professional roles and her wider support for Commoners in the New Forest.

Elycia Farnish, from Fordingbridge, was named Young Farmer in recognition of her dedication to New Forest commoning, the environment and supporting her local community.

An active and passionate Commoner, Elycia turns out ponies, donkeys and cattle on the Open Forest and is always willing to support fellow Commoners. She was praised for her knowledge of Forest wildlife and the environmental challenges facing the New Forest.

Speaking after receiving her award, Elycia said: ‘I do what I do because I enjoy it, and I take great pride in my animals and the work I do. To be recognised with the Young Farmer Award is absolutely amazing. I’m really shocked and incredibly grateful to whoever nominated me.’

This year’s Young Environmental Champion was 19-year-old Gemma Hobbs from Boldre for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to protecting the New Forest and supporting its commoning heritage.

The judges praised Gemma’s passion for conservation, her commoning background and the way she inspires other young people to value the Forest’s unique landscape and wildlife in a variety of ways like Beaulieu Young Farmers, the Young Commoners or the NPA’s Young Content Creators scheme.

More than 50 businesses across the New Forest have now signed up to the New Forest Drive Safe campaign to help protect animals and improve road safety. 

The initiative, led by the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA) and New Forest National Park Authority in conjunction with New Forest Roads Awareness, encourages businesses from across the area to raise awareness among staff, customers and visitors about the importance of driving carefully on New Forest roads. 

This is particularly important due to Commoners’ free-roaming animals – namely ponies, cattle, donkeys – as well as other wildlife, who regularly cross roads. 

Beaulieu estate, Harwoods Bentley and McClaren, the Commoners’ Larder and New Forest Fruit Company are among the companies who have already lent their support to the initiative. 

Businesses joining the scheme are listed on the CDA website and can opt into a quarterly newsletter with key road safety messages and seasonal updates, which they are encouraged to share with their employees who regularly travel on Forest roads. 

Animal accident hotline cards are also given out, highlighting who to call in the unfortunate event of an accident involving Forest livestock. 

Andrew Parry-Norton, who run the Commoners’ Larder which delivers farm produce, said: ‘We are very proud to be part of the New Forest Drive Safe campaign.  

‘As a business rooted in commoning, we understand how important Commoners’ free-roaming animals are to the landscape, heritage and way of life.  

‘By supporting this campaign, we hope to help raise awareness of how important it is to drive safely in the New Forest to ensure the safety of both people and Commoners’ livestock.’ 

By signing up to New Forest Drive Safe, businesses are helping to spread awareness of the simple actions drivers can take to reduce the risk of collisions and keep both people and animals safe in the National Park. 

Road traffic remains one of the greatest threats to the welfare of the free-roaming animals who play a vital role in maintaining the unique landscape and habitats through their grazing regimes. 

The New Forest Drive Safe campaign continues to welcome new businesses from across the Forest and surrounding areas.  

From retailers and hospitality venues to tourism operators and service providers, any organisation is encouraged to sign up so it can play a role in helping visitors and residents understand how to drive responsibly in the Forest. 

Businesses interested in joining the campaign can find out more and sign up on the CDA website. 

New Forest CDA vice chair Keith Mansbridge said: ‘We are delighted that more than 50 businesses and organisations have already signed up to support the New Forest Drive Safe campaign.  

‘This demonstrates a strong commitment across the New Forest to reducing animal accidents and promoting safer driving.  

‘However, this is just the beginning. We want to see even more businesses joining the campaign, helping us spread the message further and ensuring that everyone who visits the Forest understands the importance of driving with care.’ 

This press release was issued jointly by the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association and the New Forest National Park Authority.