Commoners are being urged to lend their views to help shape a future funding and management scheme for the New Forest.

An open meeting was held earlier this month to discuss the various agri-environment schemes in the New Forest and gauge opinions on future schemes.

The consultation, which is being led by New Park Consultancy, is an opportunity for commoners to contribute to the ongoing study.

A wide range of opinions are being sought to ensure the wishes and needs of commoners can be accurately represented in creating a scheme of funding and management for the New Forest.

Anyone who owns or rents property within the New Forest with rights of common attached can partake.

The deadline for completing the questionnaire, which takes around 15-20 minutes, is Monday, 30th September.

Take the questionnaire here

Chairman Andrew Parry-Norton has provided an update about some of the issues which the New Forest CDA is currently working on.

In the video message, he discusses:

• Why commoners should take part in the online consultation
• The campaign involving blood testing mares who haven’t got in foal
• Plans to vaccinate cattle against BVD
• What to expect at the CDA mid-term meeting

Watch the video below or on our Facebook page

Commoners are being reminded to register to vote so they can have their say in the upcoming Verderers election.

The election takes place later this year on Tuesday 26th November, when the terms of office of David Readhead and Graham Ferris come to an end.

Letters and forms have been sent to people whose names appeared on the previous 2021 Electoral Register and others who have expressed an interest since.

Those wishing to vote must return their completed registration and declaration form as soon as possible. If you are yet to register but would like to vote in the election, then please contact the Verderers urgently.

“It is vital as many commoners as possible are registered to vote in this election,” said New Forest CDA chairman Andrew Parry-Norton.

“If you have an acre of land with Forest Rights you are eligible to cast a vote. Please spread the word as it is a great opportunity to help shape the future of the New Forest and the decision-making within it.”

For queries or further information, please email enquiries@verderers.org.uk or call 02380 282052. Alternatively, head into the Verderers office in Lyndhurst.

Commoners are invited to attend a Hustings event ahead of the Verderers election in November.

The event will take place at the CDA mid-term meeting which starts at 7.30pm on Thursday, 14th November at Bramshaw Village Hall (SO43 7JE).

All potential verderers are invited to attend and each will be given an opportunity to present themselves and their manifesto, and outline their plans should they win the election.

They will answer questions from CDA Chair Andrew Parry-Norton who will then open up questions from commoners.

The meeting, which is open to all commoners, will also be an opportunity to hear about the latest CDA activities, share ideas and discuss issues.

A buffet with tea and coffee will be provided.

The Verderers of the New Forest election takes place on Tuesday, 26th November. There will be four polling stations in Lyndhurst, Fordingbridge, Lymington and Ringwood.