All members of the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association are invited to attend the Mid-Term meeting taking place this Friday – November 14 – and starting at 7.30pm at Bramshaw Village Hall.

The event is an opportunity for members to come together and hear the latest updates from the CDA committee on matters concerning Commoners and the New Forest.

This year’s meeting will feature two guest speakers:

• Alex Crook, honorary vet for the CDA and part of Pilgrims Vets in Fordingbridge, will share the latest insights on livestock health, diseases and vaccination updates relevant to New Forest Commoners.
• Russell Wynn, director of Wild New Forest and chair of the New Forest Biodiversity Forum, will provide an overview of his work monitoring and protecting the Forest’s wildlife and habitats, and how it links in with commoning.

The New Forest CDA and Wild New Forest are both partners in the Species Survival Fund project, alongside three other organisations working to safeguard the Forest’s biodiversity and promote sustainable land management.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase the new 2026 Commoners’ Calendar, featuring striking images celebrating the people, animals and landscapes that make the New Forest so special.

The calendar will be on sale at the meeting at a special price of £7 (normally £8).

The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) is inviting all residents – including the commoning community – to share their views in its latest residents’ survey.

It represents an important opportunity for Commoners, landowners and everyone who lives and works in the Forest to have a direct say in how the National Park is managed in the years ahead.

The last residents’ survey in 2021 received more than 2,700 responses and 10,000 comments. That feedback helped shape the National Park Partnership Plan, guiding how local organisations care for the Forest.

Since then, a number of positive initiatives have been introduced in response to residents’ priorities:

• Sustainability and climate action: The £1.4million YouCAN Youth for Climate and Nature project was launched, alongside the Green Groups Network, New Forest Awakening Festival, and a Sustainable Living Pledge to support communities taking environmental action
• Protecting wildlife and livestock: Two Public Spaces Protection Orders were introduced to help prevent wildfires and to discourage feeding or petting of Commoners’ animals.
• Supporting land managers and Commoners: Through Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme, over £1million in grants will be awarded by 2026 to farmers, Commoners and landowners to support nature recovery and sustainable land management.
• Enhancing nature: A £1.3million Species Survival Fund was secured to improve 250 hectares of land for wildlife across 25 sites – the equivalent of 350 football pitches.

Hilary Makin, NPA communications manager, said: ‘Our communities and local organisations are best placed to understand issues on the ground and how to solve them to enable people and nature to thrive in the National Park.

‘New Forest partners have been acting on previous feedback. We’re now encouraging people of all ages to tell us their thoughts and ideas for the future of the National Park.’

The deadline to complete the survey is Sunday, 30 November.

Take the survey here

Businesses across the New Forest are being asked to play their part in keeping the Forest’s roads and its iconic animals safe.

The New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA) has launched the New Forest Drive Safe campaign, encouraging local companies with staff who drive in the Forest to help raise awareness about road safety around the free-roaming animals.

The campaign invites businesses of all sizes to sign up and receive free support and advice to help educate their teams about the risks of driving near livestock such as ponies, cattle and donkeys, as well as what to do in the event of an incident involving an animal.

So far this year (up to the week beginning October 20), there have been 62 accidents involving animals on Forest roads, resulting in 36 animals being killed or injured. The risk increases during winter months, when more journeys take place in darkness and poor weather.

It’s also a legal requirement to report any accident involving New Forest livestock to the police as soon as possible and within 24 hours – even if the animal has run off.

A collective effort to protect the Forest

New Forest CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton said:

‘This is an initiative which we hope will highlight to everyone the importance of treating the Forest and Commoners’ livestock respectfully.

‘Signing up to this scheme is a great example for local businesses to show they understand why their drivers should take extra care while travelling across the Forest. Whatever size your business is, if you have drivers who drive through the Forest, I would strongly encourage you to join the scheme.’

Victoria Mander, chair of the New Forest National Park Authority, added:

‘The animals’ grazing is vital in maintaining rare habitats and shaping the incredible New Forest landscape. All individuals, organisations and businesses have a duty to look out for Forest livestock and each other when driving on Forest roads.

‘By being part of the New Forest Drive Safe group, organisations are showing a commitment to protecting Commoners’ livestock and the internationally important landscape they help to sustain.’

Charlotte Belcher, community manager at Forestry England, said:

‘Many motorists tell us they know the risks but think it won’t happen to them. The figures make it clear that accidents can happen to anyone, at any time. We can all improve safety by driving with care and passing animals wide and slow.’

Gilly Jones from New Forest Roads Awareness added:

‘The Drive Safe campaign gives businesses a way to share awareness among their teams. It’s about changing habits, encouraging drivers to slow down, and reminding everyone that the Forest’s animals always have right of way.’

Local businesses already showing support

Local companies such as Thurston, The Commoners’ Larder and Camping in the New Forest are among those to have already joined the scheme.

Mark Thurston-Jones, owner of Thurston in Holbury, said:

‘My parents were involved in a road traffic accident involving a pony a few years back and it really opened my eyes to the dangers of driving across the Forest. Many of my staff drive through the area every day, so I know how important it is to raise awareness.

‘I would urge other businesses to support New Forest Drive Safe – it’s a very worthy cause.’

Join the campaign

The New Forest Drive Safe campaign is led by the New Forest CDA in partnership with the New Forest National Park Authority, Forestry England and New Forest Roads Awareness, as part of the New Forest Animal Accidents Reduction Group.

Businesses can join free of charge by following the link below.

Sign up to New Forest Drive Safe

Pictured above (from left): Jim Day (New Forest National Park Authority ranger), Charlotte Belcher (Forestry England community manager), Mark Thurston-Jones (owner of Thurston), Keith Mansbridge (vice chair of New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association) and Gilly Jones (New Forest Roads Awareness)

The New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA) has called on all revenue raised through Forestry England’s new car parking charges to be reinvested directly into the New Forest.

Speaking at this month’s sitting of Verderers’ Court, chair Andrew Parry-Norton emphasised that both visitors and local people will be contributing financially to the upkeep of the Forest through these charges.

It is therefore only fair, he argued, that this money remains within the Forest to support its protection, maintenance and sustainable management.

‘Those who value and use this unique landscape are paying these charges,’ he told the court. ‘It is only right that the funds raised should be used here, to care for the very place they are intended to support.’

The CDA expressed concern that diverting any of this income elsewhere would undermine public trust and fail to reflect the specific environmental and cultural needs of the New Forest.

‘Spending this revenue elsewhere would fail to recognise the New Forest’s particular needs,’ added Andrew. ‘Every penny raised here should stay here, to preserve this precious place for future generations.’

You can read the presentment in full below.

New Forest CDA presentment October 2025

Members of the public will have a chance to hear from three Young Commoners during a commoning themed walk in the New Forest.

It is all part of the New Forest Walking Festival – organised by the New Forest National Park Authority – which aims to bring people closer to the landscapes, wildlife and heritage that define the area.

The walk starts at 10am and is expected to finish at around 12pm on Friday, 31 October.

It will be led by Young Commoners Jake Moore, Tom Hordle and Daisy Slocombe and starts at Beaulieu Road car park (opposite Beaulieu Road train station).

The walk offers a chance to hear first-hand from those who continue the centuries-old way of life and helping to sustain the habitats, open heathlands and woodlands that make the New Forest so special.

Participants are advised to wear sturdy walking boots and dress for the outdoors. Free parking is available on site.

Tickets cost £5, while for U16s it is free.

Sign up for the walk on the Eventbrite page here

Limited tickets are remaining.

To see the other Walking Festival walks, head to the New Forest NPA website

Pictured above: Tom Hordle and Jake Moore lead a commoning walk earlier this year

We were delighted to welcome a film crew from BBC South Today earlier this week, who visited our chair Andrew Parry-Norton’s farm to report on the extension of this year’s Pannage season.

Due to an exceptional mast year – when oak and beech trees produce an abundance of acorns and nuts – the Verderers of the New Forest agreed to Pannage season being extended until Sunday, 4 January.

This allows the Commoners’ pigs more time to roam the Forest, foraging naturally and helping to reduce the number of acorns that can be harmful to ponies and cattle.

Andrew was joined by our vice-chair Keith Mansbridge and both were interviewed for the feature which went out on Wednesday night.

They both shared insights into the importance of Pannage for the health of the Forest and the welfare of the livestock that graze it.

The episode is no longer able to be viewed on BBC iPlayer (it expires after 24 hours) although you can read the piece which reporter Anjana Gadgil wrote here

Picture above: Keith Mansbridge and Andrew Parry-Norton being filmed. Credit: Sarah Parry-Norton

This year’s Pannage season has been extended.

It comes amid a glut of acorns on the floor of the New Forest due to it being a mast year.

It had been due to finish at the end of November, but Forestry England have agreed to extend the season until Sunday, 4 January.

Pannage is the traditional practice of turning out pigs by Commoners in the Forest to hoover up all the acorns, which can prove to be poisonous to ponies and cattle if they are consumed in large amounts.

Watch a short video on our Facebook page here about Pannage season.

Pannage season is well under way in the New Forest.

The annual practice sees pigs let out by Commoners to roam freely in woodlands (especially oak and beech forests) to forage for fallen acorns, beech nuts and other natural foods.

It helps protect ponies and cattle in the Forest as pigs can safely eat acorns, which are toxic to many other animals.

The season started on Monday, 15 September and is due to finish at the end of November, although that is to be confirmed as the New Forest CDA has asked Verderers for an extension due to the glut of acorns this year.

Pannage also helps maintain ecology in the Forest by controlling acorn numbers and turning over soil.

Members of the public should take note of the following advice surrounding Pannage season:

• Give the pigs space – do not try to feed, touch or approach them, especially if they have piglets
• Keep dogs on a lead near pigs or any other livestock. Even friendly dogs can startle pigs, which may respond defensively
• Do not feed pigs, ponies, cattle or donkeys as it is dangerous and against local bylaws. Human food can harm them and cause aggressive behaviour toward people
• Drive carefully – pigs often wander onto Forest roads and can appear suddenly, just like deer or ponies

Watch a short video on our Facebook page here about Pannage season.

Partnership is at the heart of caring for the New Forest. This summer, representatives from the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA), Forestry England and Natural England have been coming together to review vital habitat management work.

From maintaining heathland to reducing wildfire risk, the organisations work side by side to protect what is regarded as one of the UK’s most treasured landscapes for wildlife, livestock and people alike.

Together, they start by assessing the lie of the land by looking at the condition of the heather, checking how the gorse is growing and identifying areas where pine and other vegetation are encroaching onto the heath before planning a work schedule.

It is more than a casual inspection; it’s part of an ongoing programme of habitat management designed to ensure the New Forest remains healthy for both wildlife and Commoners’ livestock.

‘Gorse and heather are vital for the animals,’ explains CDA vice chair Keith Mansbridge who also works for Forestry England. ‘If we manage them properly, they provide nutritious forage through the winter months when food is scarce. But if they’re left to get too old or overgrown, they lose their value. That’s why we use controlled burning, mulching, and clearance work to keep the cycle going.’

This work benefits not just the livestock, but the entire Forest ecosystem. Managing vegetation provides food, protects rare habitats and reduces the risk of devastating wildfires while a patchwork of different ages and types of growth is essential for the longevity of the Forest.

The partnership between the CDA, Forestry England, and Natural England is central to this effort. Each organisation brings expertise: Commoners know the needs of the animals and the traditions of the Forest; Forestry England provides the expertise and team to design and carry out large-scale management; and Natural England ensures that the work meets the highest standards of conservation.

‘It is very much a team effort,’ says Keith. ‘We all want the same thing – the Forest to thrive. Working together means we can balance the needs of wildlife, livestock, and the millions of people who come here to enjoy it.’

It is a never-ending process, with different types of work required throughout the year. Autumn is a key time for heathland and wetland management and restoration. Winter is the season for the cut and burn programme, when areas of heath are carefully treated to renew growth.

In other seasons, the focus shifts to surveys, habitat checks and planning the next cycle of work. Commoners also feed into the process by highlighting areas where management would make a difference for grazing or for drifting animals across the landscape.

New Forest CDA vice-chair Keith Mansbridge

For Keith, the message to the public is simple but important. ‘The New Forest is a working forest. It’s here for everyone’s enjoyment, but it also relies on careful management.

‘Everything is connected, from the livestock and the wildlife, to the people who live here and the visitors who love it, so we all have a role in looking after it.’

Despite the challenges of limited resources and the pressures of such a large and heavily visited landscape, Keith is proud of what has been achieved by each organisation.

‘Forestry England and Natural England do a fantastic job, and they listen to us as Commoners,’ he says. ‘Together we make sure the Forest is cared for, now and for the future. It isn’t easy, but we’re doing our very best and that is what the New Forest deserves.’

The New Forest CDA made two presentments this week during Verderers’ Court at King’s Hall in Lyndhurst.

The first concerned Pannage season, which started on Monday, September 15. The season is due to end on Friday, 28 November but the CDA has requested an extension to this due to the glut of acorns this year.

Chair Andrew Parry-Norton told the court: ‘This year is an exceptional year for acorns, a lot have fallen over the last couple of weeks.

‘The main crop of acorns is still to fall, [presenting] a serious risk to our cattle and ponies. We request that the Pannage season is extended until the New Year.’

The second presentment followed an incident which happened on the railway line near Sway, when a steer was hit by a train.

The CDA is calling on Verderers for support in pursuing the matter further with Network Rail.

‘As a matter of extreme urgency we ask the Verderers to join with us, the CDA, by putting pressure on Network Rail to admit liability for the Commoner’s steer and immediately replace the railway fencing throughout the Forest before any further stock and potentially people’s lives, are put at risk,’ the court heard.

Read the presentments in full below.

CDA Presentment Sept 25