The annual general meeting (AGM) takes place for New Forest CDA members on Friday, April 11.

The meeting will be held at Lyndhurst Community Centre and start at 7.30pm.

It will include a short speech by the CDA’s honorary vet, Alex Crook, as well as a talk by Simon Davidson from NFU Mutual.

The event will be hosted by chair Andrew Parry-Norton, who is encouraging as many members as possible to attend.

‘Please do come along,’ he said. ‘We’ll have cakes and tea afterwards and it will be great to have a chat.

‘If you want to talk to me and raise any issues, then come up and see me. I’m always eager to hear your ideas and thoughts for how we can progress.

‘It’s really important I listen to as many views as possible from commoners to ensure the CDA best represents their views.’

Saturday, 8 March marks International Women’s Day 2025, which celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe. 

We asked three female New Forest commoners – Amy Howells, Daisy Slocombe and Erika Dovey – to share their stories and unique experiences of life in the Forest. 

Read their stories below. 

“I see both myself and my animals as custodians of this landscape”

Amy Howells, Estates Officer for Forestry England

‘As an estates officer for Forestry England, I provide guidance to residents, parish councils, and other Forest organisations on how to be responsible neighbours within the New Forest. This landscape is internationally important for wildlife, and it is essential that we all play our part in its conservation. 

‘My day-to-day work is highly varied. I advise utility companies on how to carry out their operations without damaging the Forest’s special habitats. I work closely with local parish councils and private residents on matters such as appropriate fencing, hedge management, and access rights. I also collaborate with multiple stakeholders to help private property owners understand their boundaries and take action when encroachment occurs. Even small encroachments, such as new fences being erected beyond original boundaries, can significantly impact the grazing livestock and wildlife that depend on this unique landscape. Collectively, these can accumulate, leading to a considerable amount of land being lost. 

‘Beyond my role as an estates officer, I am also a commoner, meaning I have the right to turn out animals onto the New Forest. The New Forest is a working landscape where commoning plays a vital role in its cultural heritage and conservation. Without the grazing livestock, the forest would become overgrown, harming the delicate balance of local flora and fauna. As a commoner, I see both myself and my animals as custodians of this landscape. I have a deep connection to nature and feel incredibly privileged to live and work in such a special place. 

‘I was fortunate to be born into a commoning family, learning much of my knowledge and skills from my parents and fellow commoners. Commoning is a close-knit community where tasks are often completed collectively, and resources are shared. 

‘One of my particular interests as a commoner is the breeding and conservation of the New Forest pony. I am dedicated to developing a small herd that is both hardy and well-suited to life on the forest while also improving genetic bloodlines. A small number of my ponies are sold to become successful riding ponies. While commoning is not a path to financial gain – often resulting in a loss – the satisfaction it brings me far outweighs any material reward. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this way of life and hope that others recognise and value the vital role commoning plays in preserving the New Forest.’ 

“I am incredibly passionate about preserving the cultural heritage of commoning for future generations”

Daisy Slocombe, Chair, New Forest Young Commoners  

‘I feel incredibly fortunate to live as a young commoner in the New Forest, there’s no other way of life I’d choose, nor anywhere else I’d rather live. I have a small herd of New Forest ponies who graze the Forest, playing a vital role in preserving the Forest’s cultural heritage and ecology. 

‘Commoning isn’t just a hobby or a job; it’s a way of life. Without commoners and their livestock, the New Forest wouldn’t be the place we all know, love, and cherish. 

‘Being part of the commoning community is unique. The connections you build go beyond friendships, they become an extended support network. While I have strong friendships from school and elsewhere, the relationships within the forest run deeper. We share the same passion, way of life and commitment. 

‘I have been part of the Young Commoners’ committee since I was 17 and feel privileged to have worked my way up to chair. I am incredibly passionate about preserving the cultural heritage of commoning for future generations. Ensuring that young commoners have better access to maintain this way of life is something I am deeply committed to, and as chairwoman, I strive to make that a reality. 

‘Thanks to my extended family, I was introduced to my beloved New Forest pony, Betty (pictured). We were quite the ‘girl power duo.’ The bond between a pony and rider is so important, both must have equal trust in one another. Betty taught me how to be resilient, brave, strong and that superglue is often needed! 

‘Although a little quirky at times, Betty had the qualities an ideal New Forest pony should have; the hardiness, strength, stamina and she was incredibly sure footed when galloping over rough ground. Together, we participated in every drift, hunted with the New Forest Hounds, raced in the New Forest Point to Point and assisted with the New Forest agisters. 

‘Having a versatile pony is so important when being a commoner. Betty was happy to go for a steady mooch checking stock but then happy to fly across the bracken and ditches when after a mare and foal. I am now starting a new adventure with Betty’s niece; Rowdown Dior. 

‘Dior was specifically bred to continue a long line of Forest stock that’s known for its hardiness and speed which is becoming increasingly rare, and a line we would like to maintain. Maintaining rare bloodlines is imperative for the breed and the future of the New Forest pony. 

‘Life as a New Forest commoner is special and unique. I have travelled the world, swam in the bluest of seas, seen the most amazing sunsets and camped in the Australian outback, yet still my favourite place on this planet is Woodfidley (near Beaulieu Road) – there’s no place like home – especially this one!’ 

“There is no greater feeling seeing my stock out on the Forest”

Erika Dovey, New Forest National Park Authority ranger

‘I work as a ranger for the New Forest National Park Authority, helping to provide people with information about the New Forest and how they can enjoy it responsibly. I work as part of a team of rangers, and you’ll often see us out and about in our mobile unit. We talk with people about the impacts of their visit and how they can help care for this precious landscape and the wildlife it supports. 

‘I am also a commoner, and am proud to graze my animals here as part of an ancient tradition dating back to 1217. Only a certain number of properties retain these rights over the Forest, first laid out in the Charter of the Forest (1217). 

‘The Forest is a working landscape, and I mentor other new and young commoners to help this ancient tradition to continue. 

‘I have always lived in the New Forest and am a farmer’s daughter alongside having the commoning tradition handed down. I became a ranger for the NPA through experience of living, working and volunteering in the Forest. 

‘I am extremely proud of being a commoner and am passionate about helping others get into the practice. While it comes with its challenges, it is intrinsically linked to my heritage and is very much a way of life; one I wouldn’t swap for anything else. 

‘There is no greater feeling seeing my stock out on the Forest, and riding like my father and grandfather used to do gives me immense pride. I am privileged to be able to continue this way of life and the traditions that go alongside it.’ 

Andrew Parry-Norton has issued his latest monthly video update to New Forest CDA members.

The chairman discusses a number of issues including recent meetings with Forestry England, the latest on the Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme and recent local media interest in the CDA.

He also talks about the New Forest Biodiversity conference – where he is one of the guest speakers – which takes place at Careys Manor in Brockenhurst on Tuesday, March 4.

Watch the video below or on our Facebook page here

In case you missed any of Andrew’s videos from recent months, check them out below.

• January 2025 update
• December 2024 update
• November 2024 update
• October 2024 update

Funding reflective collars for livestock is one of the initiatives which has been supported by a multi-million pound scheme in the New Forest.

The Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme, which is managed by the Verderers of the New Forest in partnership with Forestry England and the New Forest National Park Authority with support from the CDA and Natural England, has been running since 2010 and brings £2m a year into the Forest.

In that time, its work has included restoring miles of wildlife habitats, working to identify and protect historic sites across an area the size of 17,000 football pitches and inspiring around 20,000 school children to cherish and protect the unique environment.

Around 3,000 reflective collars were fitted to ponies, donkeys and cattle during the past year to increase their visibility to drivers and reduce the number of animals involved in road accidents.

Other recent HLS projects include restoring wetland areas to increase their biodiversity and adapt to climate change.

A celebration evening took place at the Verderers’ Court in Lyndhurst at the end of January to mark HLS achievements. Official Verderer Edward Heron made a speech and thanked the volunteers who took part in projects and survey work.

‘The HLS scheme has delivered a wide range of long-lasting benefits for the Forest in the last year,’ he said. ‘There are so many people who work so hard to deliver the benefits of the HLS scheme and they are due thanks from us all.’

Find out more information about the HLS scheme here

Nearly 40 rare species have been recorded in the New Forest during a project to restore areas for nature.

The species were identified during surveys undertaken by Wild New Forest last year as part of the Species Survival Fund, which is restoring and creating habitats to halt species decline.

The surveys were completed at 10 sites, mostly around the northern and southern fringes of the New Forest National Park.

‘In total, about 860 species were recorded during the surveys, including 370 animals, 265 plants, and 225 fungi,’ explained Prof Russell Wynn, Director of Wild New Forest. ‘This might sound like a lot of species, but it only represents about five per cent of the total number of animal, plant, and fungi species estimated to occur in the New Forest, which is recognised as an international biodiversity hotspot.

‘Encouragingly, there were 150 records of 36 priority species that are classified as nationally rare or scarce. Many of these are relatively familiar and widespread here in the New Forest, such as goshawk, raft spider, and wood cricket.

‘But there were some surprising discoveries, including a new species of fungus for Hampshire, a new pine marten hotspot revealed using trail cameras, and a pond full of Hampshire purslane – a nationally rare aquatic plant that is almost wholly restricted to the New Forest.’

The £1.3m project is hosted by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA), alongside partners New Forest Commoners Defence Association (CDA), Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC), Freshwater Habitats Trust (FHT), Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) and Wild New Forest.

‘This project is a great example of partners working together for the good of the New Forest,’ said Paul Walton, the NPA’s Head of Environment and Rural Economy. ‘The New Forest is one of the most biodiverse areas in England but requires continued investment to support the protection and expansion of wildlife rich habitats.

‘Thanks to DEFRA via the Species Survival Fund this has been realised and it will allow habitats to thrive into the future and be more resilient to the impacts of climate change.’

Pictured: Raft Spider – a striking image of one of our known New Forest specialities (credit: Russell Wynn)

Overall, the project team is working with landowners across 25 sites to enhance 250 hectares of land (the equivalent of 350 football pitches) for nature in the New Forest.

The surveys will help to ensure habitat works on site are targeted to increase biodiversity, including helping to ensure the priority species already present can continue to be successful in the New Forest for years to come.

Russell added: ‘It was encouraging to find that several of the survey sites already contain pockets of high-quality wetland, woodland, heathland, and grassland habitat that host a wide variety of priority species.

‘However, there was also evidence for habitat degradation due to excessive growth of non-native species like rhododendron and changes in the way land is grazed by livestock. At some sites, there is concern that vulnerable habitats – and the species that rely on them – will be lost within a few years if we don’t act now to restore them.’

Project partners and landowners are now working together to deliver habitat creation and restoration work across several sites and repeat surveys will be conducted later this year to assess the impact of these works.

An illustrated blog featuring images of many of the priority species discovered in 2024 can be viewed on the Wild New Forest website here

Pictured at top: Hampshire Purslane – a nationally rare aquatic plant that is almost wholly confined to the New Forest (credit: Russell Wynn)

Commoners are among the groups being urged to have their say on development within the New Forest National Park.

An initial six-week public consultation on the review of the National Park Local Plan started on Tuesday, February 4 and will end on Tuesday, March 18.

The Local Plan is an essential document that guides new development within the national park, aimed at meeting local needs yet conserving what makes the New Forest such a special place. It includes a set of policies based on evidence, national guidelines, and input from those who live and work in the area.

The New Forest National Park is home to 34,000 residents and has a rich built heritage, with over 600 nationally listed buildings. More than 50% of the National Park is designated as being of international importance for nature conservation – the highest proportion of any planning authority in the country. The review of the Local Plan will ensure the right level of protection continues for these special landscapes.

Steve Trow, chair of the planning committee at the New Forest National Park Authority said: ‘The current National Park Local Plan was adopted in 2019 following extensive consultation and independent examination, and we are now looking to update it to ensure it stays relevant and effective.

‘Over the past five years, national planning policy has undergone significant changes, particularly in areas such as the climate and nature emergencies and meeting local housing needs. This partial review is an opportunity to positively address these areas and establish the best possible planning policy framework for the National Park.’

The National Park Authority receives and determines over 500 planning applications every year. These decisions are based on local planning policies that consider the protected landscape, built and cultural heritage, special qualities, local economy, and the needs of the people living within the National Park.

Much of the current Local Plan continues to reflect national planning policy and the legal framework for National Parks, so will remain unchanged. At this stage in the Local Plan review process the National Park Authority is inviting feedback on the local planning policy areas it feels are ‘in scope’ for review.

These include supporting appropriate renewable energy proposals that don’t conflict with the statutory National Park purposes; conserving and enhancing the relative tranquillity of significant parts of the New Forest National Park; and considering the scope for new residential development.

The National Park Authority is also running a ‘Call for Sites’ exercise alongside the Local Plan consultation, asking people to put forward sites to be considered for development through the Local Plan review. This will further support local housing and employment needs.

Communities, residents, landowners, parish councils, businesses, developers and interest groups in the New Forest National Park are all invited to comment on the Local Plan review.

Please submit your comments by Tuesday, March 18.

• Online at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/LocalPlan2025
• By post to: Policy Team, National Park Authority, Lymington Town Hall, Avenue Road, Lymington SO41 9ZG
• Or email: policy@newforestnpa.gov.uk

You can also discuss the review of the Local Plan with National Park Authority staff and give your views at these public drop-in events:

• Monday, February 24: Bramshaw Village Hall, 2pm – 7pm
• Tuesday, February 25: Hyde Memorial Hall, 1.30pm – 6.30pm
• Monday, March 3: Brockenhurst Village Hall, 2pm – 7pm
• Friday, March 7: Lyndhurst Community Centre, 2pm – 7pm

Feedback from this initial consultation will inform a revised draft Local Plan, which is due to be published for further public consultation in late 2025.

The revised draft New Forest National Park Local Plan will be submitted to the Government for independent examination and is due to be formally adopted by the National Park Authority in 2027.

Members of the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association are being reminded fees are now due for the year.

The deadline for payments is Friday, 11 April – the date of the CDA’s annual general meeting.

The fees, which can be paid either through a bank transfer or by cheque, are as follows:

• Associated members: £8
• Juniors (up to age of 16): £5
• Full members who don’t turn out animals: £11
• Full members who turn out up to 10 animals: £15
• Full members who turn out over 10 animals: £20

For those paying online through a bank transfer, the details are as follows:

• Account number: 01231542
• Sort code: 30-95-32

For those paying by cheque, please include your name and please note New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association must be written out in full.

More information can be found on the Join the NFCDA page

Chair Andrew Parry-Norton has issued his latest video update to New Forest CDA members to highlight some of the current issues facing commoners.

Among the topics he rose were the closure of the Farnborough abattoir, the recent HLS (Higher Level Stewardship) board meeting, the salt lick scheme which was covered by the BBC last week and the annual general meeting (AGM) which is taking place in April.

Watch the update in full below.

If you can’t view the video above, click here

In case you missed any of Andrew’s videos from recent months, check them out below.

• December update
• November update
• October update

Practising commoners in the New Forest are invited to attend an information evening in Lyndhurst with a local vet.

Alex Crook, from Pilgrims Vets in Fordingbridge, will be talking on a variety of topics including cattle breeding and fertility, what makes a good cow for the New Forest, and native breeds and suitability for grazing in the Forest.

The event, which is being put on by the New Forest Land Advice Service (NFLAS) and funded by the Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme, is primarily for those who turn out cattle already on the Forest but also open to those who have an interest in doing so.

The information evening takes place at 7pm on Friday, 7 February at Lyndhurst Community Centre.

Attendance is free but places are limited so those wishing to attend must book a place as soon as possible either on Eventbrite or by calling Rhys Morgan from NFLAS on 07970 564524.

There will be a chance to ask Alex questions but if you would prefer not to raise them publicly then please email rhys.morgan@nflandadvice.org.uk

It is the first of two cattle-related information sessions, with the second taking place on Monday, 31 March. Topics on that night include the common infectious disease overview, reproductive diseases and vaccination costs and benefits.

Meanwhile, further information sessions by the NFLAS on keeping pigs and ponies are expected to be held later in the year.

The life of a commoner in the New Forest can be an incredibly complex one.  

The tradition of turning out animals on the Forest goes back generations and it is a critical part of making the area become the unique and special place thousands enjoy every day. 

Ponies, cattle, sheep and other livestock are turned out to graze and forage on the unfenced common land. Commoning plays a significant role in maintaining the New Forest’s internationally-important ecology and landscape.  

The actions of the animals creates a wide range of national and international conservation designations which make it one of the most prized and cherished landscapes in the UK. But it is certainly not without its challenges as commoners are facing increasing pressures to their lifestyle from all directions.  

Commoner Bill Howells (pictured above), who lives in Norleywood in the south of the Forest close to Lymington, has been turning out animals on the commons for more than five decades. The 73-year-old lets us into his life and shares some of his more memorable experiences of the New Forest. 

*The comments in this article are Bill Howells’ personal views, and not necessarily of the CDA*

“My mum and dad didn’t common, but I had uncles who did,” he begins. “At school I made friends with people who were in farming the forest, and they were commoners as well as farmers. 

“I really got into the forest ways of turning out animals and eventually I was encouraged to keep some of my own and now I have been commoning for more than 50 years.” 

Back-up grazing land

Commoners in the New Forest have to have access to back-up land when animals may need to be taken off the open access common land.

Owning or having access to back-up grazing is a key challenge for commoners as land is developed and high prices are paid for paddocks for recreational horse-keeping. 

Bill said: “I was always interested in the cows and the ponies so I’ve got some of each. I’ve not got big numbers but enough which can be sustained by my land. 

“It’s no good getting ahead of yourself and having too many animals because every now and then you get a run of bad luck when you’ve got to have them in.

“In winter, you have to have a lot in anyhow, especially the cattle who have to come in and be fed – and some winters when it’s hard there are some ponies in so you’ve got to realise the potential of your ground and not overcrowd it, basically.” 

Making a living

The practice of commoning could be perceived merely as a hobby for those who love the countryside and tending to animals, but Bill says it has been – and continues to be – far more than that not just for him but other commoners as well who often have a full-time job alongside their commoning responsibilities. 

“Commoning is a way of life, in the end,” he says. “A lot of commoners have got local jobs or are self– employed. There’s a variety of jobs. 

“Although I worked full time for the Forestry Commission [now Forestry England], they were always pretty sympathetic to people who did common. It did always work well, me working for the Forestry because they understood that when you had animals, very rarely you might have to go home and sort an animal out so they allowed me to do that. 

“They were always pretty good and sympathetic to our way of life.” 

Traditional community 

Bill continues: “You meet a lot of people around the Forest at events like drifts (when ponies are rounded up to be checked over) or pony sales, and local dances like we had years ago. You met people from right round the Forest. 

“Even though they might live far away in the north of the Forest for example compared to here in the south in Norleywood, even though they’re not our neighbours, they are our commoning neighbours. 

“Farmers wouldn’t necessarily know other farmers in the north of the Forest but as commoners, when we get together for different events it turns out to be a way of life.” 

It is that tight-knit unit among commoners which helps keep the tradition going through thick and thin. Whether it’s the ever–changeable weather patterns, the cost of maintaining equipment or a disease outbreak affecting livestock, you can always rely on the hardy–souled commoners to ensure the Forest keeps ticking over.

“We are a community – we are spread out across the Forest but commoning is the common thread which keeps us all together and interested,” Bill explains.  

“It is hard at times, not always financially but when we had Foot and Mouth we were shut down here in the Forest and we had to have our animals in, that was a difficult time. All animals were locked in their holdings and that was hard not just on the cattle but those looking after them as well. We were all in the same boat – farmers as well as commoners – so it was difficult then.” 

Commoners who turn cattle and ponies out onto the Forest receive a subsidy payment under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) but following the UK’s departure from Europe, the government is phasing out the scheme by 2027.

Although a new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) is being developed by DEFRA, which would pay commoners based on the environmental benefits they deliver in their practice, it is unclear how this would be rolled out in the Forest.

The challenges to commoning in the New Forest, therefore, come from all angles and show no sign of abating. Bill fears it is the younger commoners coming through that could face some of the biggest difficulties to the way of life. 

Land and housing

“A concern for me is the children – it’s having somewhere to set up and common from,” he says. “You’ve got to have a couple of acres [of land] at least.  

“This is the biggest threat to commoning – the amount of holdings that are going out of commoning. The Verderers and the Commoners Defence Association have worked with Forestry England to keep places available for commoners to common from because they are ideal. 

“Traditionally, when the keepers lived in them, they would usually have a few cows and ponies that went out into the Forest, so it’s vital Forestry England and the National Park Authority help build commoners’ holdings in special places, because you wouldn’t normally get permission on those green field sites. 

“There are now about a dozen holdings being built along with the Forestry holdings but the private holdings are getting less and less. They’re just getting sold away. 

“It’s surprising in the end the amount of places that have gone. In the end, that’ll be the biggest threat to commoning. For the youngsters or even other people who want to do it, they won’t be able to because there will be no where to do it from.

“Most of the land around the edge of the Forest would have been used as back-up land once and back-up lands are getting harder to get hold of, too.” 

People pressure

With ever-more people coming to the Forest not just to visit the countryside but towns like Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst, the demands that come with them poses another serious threat to commoning. 

Residents, too, have their responsibility in ensuring the Forest is preserved for future generations. Respecting the animals who are on the Forest is of utmost importance and educating the public about the dos and do nots when encountering livestock remains an ongoing battle. 

“When new people come to the Forest they’re not sure how to treat the animals,” says Bill. “They put garden waste out and we get several cases of colic [in the ponies] a year. It’s just people don’t know they shouldn’t be doing it. They don’t realise the dangers, perhaps, to the animals. 

“We’ve got a lot of pressure on the Forest. As well as the youngsters finding it hard to get going, there is the pressure of the tourism industry. It’s mounting up all the time. 

“It’s the interaction with the animals. Sometimes people want to go up and pet them, and some animals may turn and retaliate. If people get in the way, they could get injured so it’s harder and harder [to manage]. 

“Years ago, people accepted they shouldn’t be touching the animals but now it’s changed and that puts the onus back on the commoner. It puts you in a difficult position because you don’t want your animals to injure anybody but then again you want your animals to be out there to do the conservation job they’re doing. It’s a difficult one.” 

Animal accidents

Sadly, commoners know all too well about losing animals with road accidents often leading to a severe injury, if not death, having been hit by a vehicle. 

Various initiatives are in place to help reduce these incidents, such as a ‘salt lick’ scheme which aims to encourage ponies  – who love the road salt or grit – away from the roadside, Operation Mountie run by the police and partners which targets speeding drivers; and large signage warning drivers to slow down, but despite these efforts, animals casualties continue. 

According to the Verderers’ figures, in the past five years an average of 47 animals have died each year as a result of being involved in a road accident. In addition, an average of 22 animals have been injured each year of the same time frame.

“Over the years I’ve had a few animals involved in road accidents, I think all commoners have,” reflects Bill. “I’ve had two or three foals killed, two cows, about four mares, so I’ve probably lost around 10 animals overall. But unless your animals are in a place which is right away from the road, then you might be lucky but I would say most commoners have had some casualties. 

“There are campaigns going and police have been doing a lot of checks which is good and I think it’s made people steady up but we’re always going to have accidents. It’s difficult to educate everybody to the degree they need to be. 

“When you go round a bend or there’s a dip, or it’s foggy, whenever you’re driving you must always think there’s going to be a pony. Some people drive with an instinct of being careful but for others, sadly it’s the last thing on their minds. I’m not saying they’re all speeding, they’re just not driving carefully enough for the Forest.” 

Following the seasons

While no two days are the same for New Forest commoners, there are certain practices and routines to be followed at different stages of the year. 

“In the summer, the animals are out so we [commoners] are making hay or silage,” says Bill. “We’re repairing fences and really just getting ready for the winter. In autumn we go to the drifts where we look at the ponies and in winter it’s into the routine of feeding the animals every day if you have cattle. 

“If you have ponies, people probably go out at least once a week to check on them and monitor them, and get them in if they need to. Cattle are the most intensive side of commoning – they have to be fed every day, cleaned out, bedded and that takes the time in the winter.” 

Maintaining a rare breed 

Stallions are turned out annually to keep the New Forest pony going as a breed but also to control the number of foals born each year. 

Bill says: “The stallions were out for about six weeks last year. We were lucky we got some filly foals but long term we’re getting less and less stallions because people find it more difficult to keep them. 

“We’ve got to look at the numbers seriously and see if we’ve got enough stallions to go out, to maintain the herd. Five thousand mares, forest wide, is a good number and we need about 2,000 cattle. They are numbers that the Forest could sustain but it’s difficult.” 

Along with organisations such as the New Forest National Park Authority and Forestry England, commoners work with certain groups, such as the agisters, on the ground to manage livestock.  

There are a total of five agisters who work for the Verderers and each one looks after a certain patch within the forest. They will be alerted to any sick or injured ponies and conduct various administrative tasks like collecting marking fees (an annual fee which commoners pay to keep their animals on the forest). 

“We’re in contact with the agisters all the time,” says Bill. “And I know the elected Verderers because they are the ones voted in by the commoners. They are from the commoning community.

“We don’t always agree with the Verderers but they oversee commoning for us in the Forest and it gives our community a bit of structure. If anyone outside the forest wants to know the answer to a question, it’s better the Verderers are there to talk for us. 

“It’s difficult balancing things but the agisters are very good and if you’ve got an injured pony, they’ll usually phone you and will accept as long as you get there that evening, after work, you can deal with it or a member of your family can. They’re pretty sympathetic and it all works pretty well together.” 

Future funding

The life of a commoner in the New Forest, therefore, is full of ups and downs and everything in between. There can be little doubt about the importance of their work, not only in keeping the Forest landscape in shape but also maintaining the tradition which goes back centuries. 

And while commoners’ financial future is uncertain as one Government funding scheme comes to an end post-Brexit, Bill is optimistic their steely resolve, dedication and love for the area and livestock will always counter any threats to commoning in the strongest possible terms. 

“We’re trying to work out how we’re going to get subsidies for the future – I think it would be in a pretty perilous state if there was no subsidy at all,” he warns. 

“I don’t think people would keep the animals. Everything is so expensive at the moment but when you are in commoning and need extra things to what a normal person would need like fencing, cattle-handling equipment, diesel for your tractor…without subsidy the amount of commoners would really dwindle. 

“There has got to be some recognition that if the government and people want the Forest to stay in the same state it’s in by being grazed, then inevitably there needs to be some money put into it. I don’t know how it’s going to work, but there is a need.” 

He continued: “We are not in it for money, it’s the pleasure we get of going out into the Forest and seeing our animals and seeing them contribute to the landscape. 

“In the future, I hope there is some sort of subsidy system to encourage the youngsters to common. Unless somebody recognises we do need a bit of subsidy money, I think in 20 years’ time numbers [of commoners] could dwindle. I don’t think it [commoning] would pack up altogether but it would be harder and harder for the youngsters as well to justify it. 

“But I’m not too doom and gloom, everything is still okay. I want the subsidies to be given to the right people though, to encourage them in a certain way – not to overstock but to just be good commoners. 

“I hope we can sort it out to benefit the Forest, rather than just a few commoners with a load of money for a few years. That’s not long-termism. You want youngsters settled, have a holding, have a job and keep some animals to keep the tradition going, that’s what I want the subsidy to be for.  

“It’s not to make people rich, I wouldn’t want that. I would like it to benefit the Forest and help sustain it. It’s what makes the area unique.”