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, they represent a valuable opportunity for Commoners to come together and continue the living heritage and traditions of New Forest commoning. 

To find out more about the importance of the sales which take place at Beaulieu Road, its history and traditions, we caught up with New Forest CDA committee member Sam Dovey, one of the directors of the New Forest Livestock Society which manages the sale yard. 

How long have pony sales been taking place here in the New Forest? 

‘Commoners have been selling their ponies at sales within the Forest for hundreds of years. There have been sales at Beaulieu Road for at least 50 years, although the origins go back much further. The location was originally chosen because of its proximity to the railway as years ago, ponies were often transported around the country by train. 

‘Today everything’s moved by lorry or in trailers, but the historic connection to the railway explains why the sale yard was established here. The current yard underwent a major refurbishment in the early 2000s and the facilities you see today date from around this period. 

What makes Beaulieu Road Sales unique compared to other livestock markets? 

‘We’re the only purpose built pony sale yard in the country that’s actually based right within the area where the animals are bred – the New Forest itself.

‘It’s a naturally built sale yard, made from timber with gravel floors, like our Forest pounds, which gives it a very different feel from the concrete and steel livestock markets you find elsewhere across the country. It feels authentic and a part of the landscape. 

How often do the sales take place and what animals are sold? 

‘We only sell ponies at Beaulieu Road – primarily New Forest ponies and other ponies owned by Commoners. Occasionally some horses and different breeds are sold as well. We’ve talked in the past about selling Commoners’ cattle at Beaulieu Road but as yet this isn’t something we’ve done.

‘We have a sale in the spring (typically at the end of May) and two or three in the autumn, depending on the number of ponies that need to be sold. Since the pandemic, we’ve also introduced online sales, run through the New Forest Livestock Society to compliment the face to face sales we run. 

Beaulieu Road sale yard

How important are these sales to New Forest Commoners and the local community? 

They’re absolutely vital. The sale yard gives Commoners an outlet for their stock within the Forest where ponies can be sold collectively rather than individually. It’s a focal point for anyone interested in purchasing a New Forest pony and ensures that the animals don’t have to be transported far from a Commoner’s holding to be sold.  

‘Having this communal place where Commoners can sell their animals is really important both for the ponies and the Commoners themselves. It’s a place where Commoners can meet and catch up with each other, so it’s got an important human and cultural element to it as well. 

What typically happens to the ponies after the sales? 

‘There’s a great variety of different buyers, Some ponies are bought by other Commoners to add to, or diversify their herds, while others are purchased by local families for leisure or breeding. Many are sold for similar uses to buyers from all across the UK.

‘We’ve had people come down from as far as Cumbria and even Scotland to buy at Beaulieu Road, so the ponies sold here really do find new homes all over the country. 

Are there any traditions or rituals that take place on sale days? 

‘We always start the day of the sale very early. While the Commoners are getting their ponies ready to bring, the handlers and the team from the Livestock Society meet before the ponies arrive to check everything at the yard is in order from signs, lighting and water, to toilets and car parking. It’s become a bit of a ritual in itself, making sure the site is fully prepared before the day begins and before people and ponies arrive. 

One of the New Forest Livestock Society directors, Sam Dovey

Do you have any particularly memorable moments from past sales? 

‘In the last 30 years that I’ve been coming to the sales, things have changed with the times. We now see much smaller numbers being sold at each sale. We typically have maybe 80 to 100 ponies per sale now, whereas in days gone by there would have been 500 or 600 ponies at a sale. 

‘I do have fond memories of when there were so many ponies. We’d often be working well into the evening, sorting and loading ponies under strings of lights balanced on poles to help us see what we were doing. Once everything was done and all the ponies loaded up and gone, we’d head across to the pub in time for last orders. 

‘They were good times and memories, because that wouldn’t really happen these days, but years ago we’d regularly be here late into the evening.’

For someone who’s never been, what would you say to encourage them to visit? 

‘I’d recommend people come along – if for nothing else than the experience to see how these unique sales are run. 

‘It’s a great thing to come and see. There are refreshments, plenty of parking, often some other stalls selling equestrian goods and it’s just a great atmosphere in the heart of the New Forest. It’s a super day out. 

‘And of course we have some beautiful ponies that come through the sales – we have foals, older ponies and sometimes ones which haven’t been broken in, so if you’re interested in the New Forest breed or starting or adding to your herd, then it’s an excellent place to come.  

What does Beaulieu Road mean to you personally? 

‘It means a great deal. The New Forest pony, the sale yard and the New Forest Livestock Society are all things close to my heart.  

‘Apart from the fact it’s one of our Forest traditions and is a focal point for the commoning community in the spring and autumn, it’s been part of my life in the Forest for as long as I can remember. 

‘Over the years, we’ve seen lots of changes like fewer ponies, new sale formats, even pre-sale show classes added in recent years – but it remains a great focal point for a Commoner’s life in the Forest.’ 

If you are interested in purchasing a pony at the Beaulieu Road sales, check out the buyer’s guide on the New Forest Livestock Society website

New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association chair Andrew Parry-Norton has shared his latest monthly video update, covering everything from the importance of protecting commoning rights to livestock health, foal season and the release of stallions.

Andrew began by reflecting on the many organisations involved in managing and protecting the New Forest, including the Verderers, Forestry England, the National Park Authority and Commoners themselves.

‘Over the years, this has been a great protection for the Forest,’ he says. ‘It’s protected the Forest and it’s why we still have what we see today.’

However, he acknowledged that the different layers of governance can also make it difficult to move policies forward and get things done quickly.

‘We have to try our best to work together and work out how we can achieve that,” he says.

Andrew said a recent conversation with Commoners in the Forest of Dean had reinforced just how important it is to continue protecting the New Forest’s traditions and rights.

After a discussion with Commoners in the Forest of Dean, he describes their situation as ‘really unfortunate.’

‘The person running the association there described it as ‘death by a thousand cuts’,’ Andrew explained. “Small things have happened over the years, but they’ve added up and added up.”

He said commoning in the Forest of Dean is now ‘virtually non-existent,’ with numbers reportedly reduced to around 50 Commoners.

‘It drove home to me that although we have got these layers of governance, they have protected us as Commoners and everybody else,’ he says. ‘We have to make sure we don’t just give up on small things. We need to protect our rights, protect the Forest and not concede.’

The update also included an important reminder about the New Forest CDA’s BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea) vaccination programme.

With support from the New Forest Trust, around 800 cattle were vaccinated last year, with the programme continuing again this year.

BVD is a highly contagious disease which can cause abortion in cattle and significant welfare and financial impacts.

‘As you know, the whole Forest is one [cattle] herd,’ Andrew says. ‘Once it gets into a herd it can cause huge financial loss, but also welfare issues for the cows.’

He encouraged Commoners with cattle turned out on the Forest to get in touch about the free vaccinations.

Andrew also highlighted growing concerns around neospora, a parasite spread by dogs through contaminated faeces. The parasite can cause severe abortion in cattle and has become an increasing issue in the Forest.

He explains that dogs can become carriers after eating raw dog food which has not been frozen to the correct temperature for long enough to kill the parasite.

‘If dogs eat raw dog food and then poo on the Forest, they shed oocysts onto the ground,’ he says. ‘If a cow eats around that area, it can cause severe abortion in cattle.’

Andrew also reminded members of the public that foal season is now underway, with young foals increasingly being seen across the Forest.

‘Do be careful,’ he says. ‘They dart all over the place, especially if the foal is one side of the road and the mare is on the other.’

He urged drivers to slow down and stay alert, particularly on unfenced roads.

Meanwhile, the annual stallion turn-out has begun, with the stallions spending up to six weeks on the Forest carrying out their important role in breeding New Forest ponies.

‘We need as many filly foals as we can to carry on those bloodlines,’ Andrew says. While describing the stallions as ‘really impressive animals,’ he urged people to admire them from a safe distance and avoid approaching them, especially while riding horses nearby.

‘They are only out there for a short period of time,’ he says. ‘Please just give them space and let them do their job.’

Watch the full video on the New Forest CDA’s Facebook page

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 be out for six weeks and are permitted to remain out until Monday, June 22, although they can be brought in from Monday, June 15.

As ever with New Forest livestock, members of the public should keep their distance from the stallions.

Please do not feed, approach or touch the animals as it is not only dangerous, but can also result in a fine under the PSPO (Public Space Protection Order).

Stallions are are let out each year to help maintain the New Forest pony bloodlines and control the number of foals born each year.

Turn-out areas

• Bunny II, Nomansland
• Walhampton Scholars Farewell, Wootton
• Cadland Masterplan, Sway
• Knavesash Gold Fever, East End
• Lucky Lane Warrior, Leaden Hall
• Lucky Lane Pegasus, Woodgreen
• Bullhill Major, Black Knowl
• Mallards Wood Law & Order, Holmsley
• Fidleywood Falconer, Culverley / Beaulieu Road
• Knavesash Polaris, Longdown
• Brookshill Jasper, Ashurst
• Wellow Vivaldi, Balmer Lawn
• Mogshade Quarryman, Whitten Pond
• Carterstone Cufflink, Backley
• Brookshill Major 2nd, Hill Top
• Knavesash Duty, Bramshaw Golf Course
• Jetset Monarch, Withybeds / Andrews Mare
• Woodfidley Victorious, Markway
• Nutschullyng First Light, Green Pond – Fritham
• Knavesash Oberon, Pilley
• Rushmoor Marksman, Broomy / Milkham
• Rushmoor Swainmote, Acres Down
• Churchplace Chancer, Mill Lawn / Burley Rocks
• Marksway Crimson King, Linford / Rockford
• Moorbridge Rudolph, Penn Common

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 Woodgreen, Fordingbridge is available to rent from this summer for £1,095.31 per calendar month (fully subsidised commoning rent).

The property is a three-bedroom detached cottage located east of Woodgreen Common backing onto Godshill Inclosure. It has a general purpose building with no water supplied.

Backup grazing extending to 0.44 hectares/1.09 acres is attached to the property.

Godshill Wood Cottage

The second property is 2 Great Linford in Highwood, Ringwood. This is also available to rent from this summer for £745.79 per calendar month (fully subsidised commoning rent).

This is a three-bedroom semi-detached cottage backing onto Great Linford Inclosure, with a large back garden. The property has no attached land or outbuildings.

2 Great Linford

Should applicants wish to view or apply for both properties, they should state a first and second choice.

Viewings will be by appointment only

• during week commencing 18th May and 25th May for 2 Great Linford
• during week commencing 25th May and 1st June for Godshill Wood Cottage

To express an interest in either property please contact Samantha Gregory and/or Fergus Robertson McIsaac before 5pm on Saturday, 6 June.

Email samantha.gregory@forestryengland.uk or fergus.robertson-mc@forestryengland.uk

For further information and an application form, see the documents below.

Property particulars

Godshill Wood Cottage

Two Great Linford

Other key documents

Application Form

Declaration of Income

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 are six Awards, including the Commoning Champion category which was introduced last year.

Find out below how you can submit a nomination for the Awards, which are run by the New Forest National Park Authority along with the CLA.

Recognising the people behind New Forest commoning

Commoning is at the very core of what makes the New Forest unique. It is a centuries-old system that continues to shape the landscape, support biodiversity  and sustain local communities today.

The Commoning Champion Award is all about recognising those who go above and beyond to support this way of life. That might be:

• A Commoner who shows outstanding dedication to their stock and the Forest
• Someone helping to keep traditional skills alive
• A young Commoner making their mark
• Or an individual working behind the scenes to support commoning in practical ways

These are the people who quietly make a huge difference and this award is a chance to shine a light on their efforts.

Why your nomination matters

Many of the most deserving individuals would never put themselves forward. That’s why nominations from the community are so important.

By taking a few minutes to nominate someone, you can:

• Recognise hard work and commitment
• Help raise awareness of commoning
• Celebrate the living traditions of the New Forest
• Ensure these vital contributions don’t go unnoticed

Every nomination helps tell the story of commoning and why it remains so important today.

Andrew Parry-Norton was the Commoning Champion in 2025

Before you submit

Before putting forward a nomination, please read the key documents on the New Forest Awards website, including the category criteria and regulations. This will help ensure your nomination meets the requirements and has the best chance of success.

It’s also important to check that your nominee lives within the New Forest Awards boundary area, as outlined on the official map. Nominations that fall outside this area may not be eligible.

How to nominate

Submitting a nomination is quick and straightforward via the official New Forest Awards page.

You’ll be asked to explain why your nominee deserves recognition. This is your chance to share their story and highlight what makes them stand out.

Submit your nomination

The Government has now recognised New Forest Commoners under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM).

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed that even without being formally named in legislation, the New Forest Commoners are now ‘entitled to the rights and protections enshrined in the FCNM.’

It added: ‘this department offers reassurance that the New Forest Commoners culture will be preserved in any future devolution or reorganisation arrangements.’

What this means

National minority status is not symbolic. It creates a framework of obligations for how Government and public bodies must now act in relation to the New Forest Commoners as a distinct cultural community; a new line of defence and protection.

What FCNM requires in practice

The FCNM establishes a framework of legal rights and protections which now apply to practising Commoners, and which public bodies must adhere to.

The most relevant articles in the Convention are:

Article 4 — Equality and Fair Treatment → Prevent harm

• Public bodies must ensure that Commoners are not disadvantaged by policy or structural change
• Devolution and reorganisation must not harm commoning
• Policies must be tested for unintended and indirect negative impacts on commoning

Article 5 — Protection of Culture → Sustain commoning

• Public bodies must support the continuation of commoning as a living cultural system
• Grazing, pannage and land-based practices must be sustained as a legal obligation
• Policy must actively support, not merely avoid harming, commoning

Article 6 — Understanding and Respect → Fix institutional ignorance

• Authorities must promote proper understanding of commoning within institutions
• Officers and decision-makers must recognise its role and importance
• Misunderstanding or marginalisation must be actively avoided

Article 12 — Knowledge, Education and Awareness → Build long-term recognition

• Public bodies must promote awareness of Commoners’ culture in public life
• Commoning must be understood in policy, education and public discourse
• Its history and function must be clearly recognised by public bodies

Article 15 — Voice in Decision-Making → Secure voice and influence

• Commoners must have meaningful and effective participation in decisions affecting them
• Representation on authorities must be real, not symbolic or nominal
• Engagement must go beyond mere consultation to actually influence outcomes

Article 16 — Protection from Harmful Change → Guard against structural erosion

• Government and public bodies must avoid changes that undermine the community’s viability
• Structural reforms must not weaken commoning
• The long-term sustainability of the community must be considered in all decision-making

Why this matters now

Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) create real risks to representation and continuity, and exacerbate pre-existing pressures.

Without clear application of FCNM, Commoners risk losing voice, influence, and protection.

With FCNM, there is a clear basis to safeguard the future of commoning as part of the developing structure of the new unitary and mayoral authorities.

The core principle

The New Forest Commoners are:

• A historic community with over 1,000 years of continuity
• A distinct cultural group, tied to a specific place
• Essential to the ecology and survival of the Forest

Recognition under FCNM is not creating something new — it is acknowledging an existing reality.

What this framework provides

Taken together, these Articles establish that Commoners must be treated fairly and without disadvantage, their culture must be actively sustained and their way of life must be understood and recognised by authorities.

Commoners’ voices must be heard and reflected in decision-making and structural change must not undermine the long-term viability of commoning.

What next?

The Government engages with the Council of Europe around proper application of FCNM for Commoners, and seeks formal naming at the next “FCNM cycle” (estimated 2028/9).

We continue to engage with Government about what this will mean on the ground.

Alignment of local authorities and institutions in how they engage with the new obligations.

Maintain pressure to ensure these principles are applied in practice as new authorities develop.

Further engage with Government on what impact FCNM recognition will have on housing allocation, authority representation, DEFRA policy and funding opportunities.

The New Forest Commoners Defence Association (CDA) delivered two short presentments highlighting ongoing matters affecting Commoners and the wider Forest at April’s Verderers’ Court session.

Speaking on behalf of the CDA, chair Andrew Parry-Norton raised the issues of burning in the Forest and perambulation fencing last Wednesday (April 15).

Burning programme

Andrew told the court the CDA acknowledged the challenges faced this year in delivering the Forest’s burning programme, with weather conditions limiting what could be achieved.

However, despite these difficulties, the CDA expressed its appreciation to Forestry England for the work that was completed.

The controlled burning programme remains an important tool in managing the New Forest’s habitats, and the efforts made under testing conditions were recognised as both valuable and much appreciated by Commoners.

Perambulation Fencing

Andrew also raised on behalf of the CDA ongoing concerns regarding the condition of perambulation fencing in certain areas of the Forest. This long-standing issue continues to present serious risks, with some fencing described as being in poor and potentially dangerous condition.

Inadequate fencing allows stock, including ponies and pigs, to pass through easily which creates risks not only for Commoners but also for neighbouring landowners and the public. Of particular concern is the potential for animals to gain access to busy roads.

The CDA urged the Verderers to once again engage with all relevant landowners, reminding them of their legal responsibilities and encouraging prompt action to address failing fencing. The Association stressed the need for continued follow-up where necessary to ensure that remedial work is carried out.

CDA Presentment 15 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 Minorities (FCNM).

It represents a significant milestone for the protection of New Forest Commoners and their traditional way of life.

The Government has confirmed that while not yet explicitly named as a distinct group within the framework, New Forest Commoners are nonetheless entitled to the full rights and protections provided under the FCNM.

The letter also offered reassurance that Commoning culture will be safeguarded in the context of any future devolution or local government reorganisation.

The UK’s approach to the FCNM is reviewed on a five-year cycle, and it is anticipated that New Forest Commoners will be formally named in the next reporting round as part of this process. In the meantime, this recognition marks a highly positive step forward, confirming that Commoners’ interests must now be properly considered and protected.

Importantly, this status places clear obligations on emerging local authorities — including the proposed Mid Hampshire and Southwest Hampshire unitary authorities, as well as a Hampshire and Solent mayoral authority — to uphold and support the Commoning way of life.

This includes ensuring meaningful representation and due regard in decision-making that affects the Forest, particularly in areas such as land use, grazing, and rural management.

The Commoners Defence Association will be seeking further clarity from Government on how these obligations will be implemented in practice. This is especially relevant in light of recent developments affecting the Waterside area and the ongoing need to protect vital backup grazing land.

Looking ahead, this recognition may also open up new funding opportunities to support Commoners and the organisations that work alongside them to sustain the Forest’s unique landscape and traditions.

This important achievement has been secured by the New Forest Commoners Defence Association, thanks to the work of our chair Andrew Parry-Norton and Brice Stratford, with support from Julian Lewis, the New Forest National Park Authority, New Forest District Council, New Forest Association of Local Councils and the New Forest Cultural Council.

Together, this recognition represents a major step in securing the future of Commoning — ensuring that its cultural, environmental and economic importance is recognised at the highest level.

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 reorganisation (LGR) for Hampshire.

It means residents of the Waterside will receive services from a new local authority, alongside Southampton, Eastleigh and part of Test Valley while those in the rest of the Forest will receive their services from a separate new mid-Hampshire council.

This will also cover East Hampshire, Winchester and a large part of Test Valley.

The two new unitary councils will comprise:

• South West: Southampton, Eastleigh and the parishes of Totton and Eling, Marchwood, Hythe and Dibden, Fawley (New Forest) and Chilworth, Nursling and Rownhams, and Valley Park (Test Valley)
• Mid Hampshire: East Hampshire, Winchester, Test Valley and the New Forest, excluding the Parishes in the New Forest and Test Valley, specified above.

Kate Ryan, chief executive of New Forest District Council, said: ‘I know many residents will be wondering what this means for them and the services they rely on. The most important thing to say today is that nothing is changing right now.

‘There are no immediate changes to our services, our staff are still out doing their jobs, and the ways to contact us stay the same. It’s business as usual while in the background we work to create two successful new councils.’

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 the CDA over car park café licences and encouraged support for the recognition of commoning as living heritage in a survey.

Speaking to Verderers on Wednesday, March 18, he reiterated the Association’s opposition to the licensing of mobile food and drink vans in New Forest car parks.

He stressed that the CDA’s position remains unchanged, with concerns centred on the impact the vans can have on commoning and the wider Forest environment.

While licences are now due for renewal, the CDA highlighted a previous commitment by Forestry England to relocate suitable vans into enclosed areas, with remaining sites fenced to prevent access by free-roaming livestock.

However, the CDA noted this undertaking has not yet been fulfilled so as a result, has formally requested the Verderers withhold their consent for any licence renewals unless – and until – these agreed conditions are properly implemented.

In a second presentment, Andrew issued a reminder to New Forest Commoners to fill in a survey regarding the long-term safeguarding of commoning through cultural recognition.

The Association is urging Commoners to complete the Inventory of Living Heritage survey, which forms part of a wider effort to have commoning acknowledged under the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The survey has been sent out to Commoners by the Verderers and CDA, with the deadline to complete it coming at the end of the week.

Read both presentments through the link below.

New Forest CDA presentment March 2026