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

A major new development is being planned which could have a large impact on the New Forest and Commoners.

Solent Gateway has announced its proposals for Solent Gateway 2, an expansion of the port that would see the creation of a new automotive terminal, new marine facilities, improved road access and even a new country park.

Alongside these changes, the project promises environmental enhancements but it is also set to bring significant changes to the local landscape, traffic and the way nearby communities experience the Forest and Waterside.

By taking part in the consultation, Commoners have the chance to influence how the development progresses and ensure that traditional rights, environmental balance and community wellbeing are fully considered.

How to get involved

Solent Gateway is running a series of community drop-in events at the following venues where you can meet the team, ask questions and provide feedback.

• Marchwood Village Hall – Weds 24 Sept, 3–8pm
• City Cruise Terminal arrivals lounge (enter via Dock Gate 10 and follow signs for City Cruise Terminal), Southampton – Thurs 25 Sept, 10am–3pm
• Marchwood Village Hall – Fri 26 Sept, 3–8pm
• Hythe & Dibden Parish Hall – Tues 30 Sept, 3–8pm
• Hythe and Dibden Parish Hall – Fri 3 Oct, 3–8pm
• West Totton Community Centre – Sat 4 Oct, 2–5pm

For those who can’t attend in person, two webinars are being held at 6pm on Wednesday, 1 October and Wednesday, 8 October. Register for either session via the Solent Gateway 2 website

Ways to share your feedback

• In person: Hand in a feedback form at an event
• Online: Fill out a form here
• Email: contact@solentgateway2.co.uk
• Post: FREEPOST SGTWO (no stamp required)

You can also call 0800 138 9193 with any questions.

Shaping the future together

This is just the start of the consultation process, but it is a crucial stage. The input given now will shape how the proposals evolve and what protections or changes may be put in place for the Forest and its communities.

Commoners’ role in safeguarding the balance of the New Forest is unique and vital so it is crucial their voices are part of this conversation.

Please save the date!

The mid-term meeting for the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association is being held at 7.30pm on Friday, 14th November at Bramshaw Village Hall (SO43 7JE).

The meeting is open to all New Forest Commoners and there will be cake, tea and coffee as well.

Speakers to be confirmed in due course.

Pig farmers in the New Forest are encouraged to attend an expert advice workshop with a local vet.

Alex Crook, from Pilgrims Vets in Fordingbridge, will be holding a question and answer session at Storm’s Farm in Cadnam on Tuesday, 9 September.

The event is primarily for New Forest Commoners who own pigs, but also those who have an interest in turning the animals out.

It is being funded by the Verderers of the New Forest Higher Level Stewardship scheme, which helps to support Commoning in the Forest through various initiatives, and is being run by the New Forest Land Advice Service.

The Service provides independent land management advice across the New Forest and Avon Valley and is a partnership of the NPA with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

The workshop – which includes a free barbecue – runs from 1.30pm until 4pm.

Sign up for free on the Eventbrite page although places are limited

Pannage season – the practice of Commoners turning out pigs in the Forest – starts this month. The pigs forage for acorns, nuts and other food from the Forest floor.

Acorns can be poisonous to ponies and cattle if consumed in large amounts.

Looking for the perfect summer evening filled with live music, great food, and a warm community spirit?  Then Folk on the Farm Festival is the place to be!

Enjoy an evening of folk tunes with country vibes, delicious food and plenty of fun at Storm’s Farm in Cadnam.

The event starts from 6.30pm on Saturday, 4 October.

The music line-up includes performances by Blacksmith, Itchen Privateers and DJ Billy Allen, while proceeds from the festival will go towards Brockenhurst Young Farmers and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

The event is sponsored by New Forest-based New Park Consultancy, which provides rural property advice across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

Tickets for Folk on the Farm Festival are just £10 per person, while it is free entry for under 16s.

For more information and to purchase tickets, head to the Folk on the Farm Festival Eventbrite page

A Forestry England property in Linford has become available to rent for New Forest Commoners from this autumn.

Linford Cottage near Ringwood is a three-bedroom detached house with a garden and small outbuildings backing directly onto Little Linwood Inclosure.

The rent is £1,098.44 per calendar month (fully subsidised Commoning rent).

The deadline to submit an application of interest in the property is Wednesday, 10 September.

Viewings are by appointment only.

For more information about the property itself and to fill in an application form, please see the links below.

Further information

Linford Cottage Particulars

Application Form and FAQs

For any other questions or queries, please email Fergus Robertson-McIsaac at Forestry England: fergus.robertson-mc@forestryengland.uk

Every autumn, the New Forest comes alive as the free-roaming ponies, cattle and donkeys are rounded up as part of Drift season.

The Drifts, which take place over several months, form an essential part of Commoners’ lives and how they manage their livestock and offers a glimpse into the living heritage of the New Forest.

What are the Drifts?

The Drifts are carefully coordinated events where agisters, supported by Commoners and other helpers, gather animals from across the Forest into temporary enclosures known as pounds.

The work is done on foot and on horseback, and follows set routes that have been used for generations.

The term ‘drift’ comes from the way the animals are steadily moved or ‘drifted’ across the open landscape and into the pounds. Once there, each animal is checked and dealt with as needed before being turned back out onto the Forest.

Why do the Drifts take place?

The Drifts take place for a number of reasons, primarily:

• Health checks – Animals are inspected to ensure they are in good condition. Any that are unfit can be treated or removed from the Forest
• Welfare management – Foals are branded with their owner’s mark, and some animals may be wormed or vaccinated
• Stock control – Commoners can limit the numbers of animals they turn out by selling, resting or keeping them in over the winter
• Conservation balance – By managing numbers and health, the drifts help ensure grazing levels remain sustainable for the unique habitats of the New Forest

Advice to the public

It is important to remember that managing the Drifts is hard and necessary work.

For safety reasons, members of the public are asked to keep well clear of Drift routes and pounds, and to give working riders and animals plenty of space.

Safeguarding a living tradition

The Drifts embody the partnership between the New Forest, its landscapes, its wildlife, and the Commoners who continue centuries-old rights of grazing.

Without them, the health of the animals – and the balance of the Forest itself – could not be maintained.

Find out more

To see a full list of upcoming car park closures for the Drifts, head to the Forestry England website

Please note dates can change at short notice due to operational reasons.

Announcements will also be made on the New Forest CDA’s Facebook page

Two Commoners and members of the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association have been recognised at this year’s New Forest Awards.

Organised by the New Forest National Park Authority and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), the Awards – now in their 12th year – celebrate outstanding contributions to the Forest’s environment, heritage, and rural economy. With 2025 marking the 20th anniversary of the New Forest’s designation as a National Park, a special new accolade was introduced: the Commoning Champion Award.

Championing a living tradition: Andrew Parry-Norton

Andrew Parry-Norton with his award

The inaugural Commoning Champion Award was presented to Andrew Parry-Norton, chair of the New Forest CDA, acting chair of the Forest Farming Group, and a director of New Forest Marque and Go New Forest.

His influence reaches far beyond administrative roles; as he actively engages with schools, young farmers, and community groups to raise awareness about the importance of Commoning in modern conservation and rural life.

‘I am honoured and feel very privileged to have won this award,’ Andrew said. “I’m proud of every Commoner and the unique values and experience they bring to the practice. Anybody who continues to Common – amid the increasing pressures on the tradition – is worthy of recognition in my opinion. We are all striving to ensure Commoning is at the forefront of the New Forest’s future.’

Bridging agriculture and conservation: Ben Dolbear

Ben Dolbear with his award

Fellow Commoner Ben Dolbear was honoured with the Farming and Nature Champion Award for his work at the intersection of sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

As director of Bright Seeds, Ben works with farmers and landowners to develop pollinator-friendly and conservation-focused seed mixes, while continuing to operate his own farm with strong environmental principles. A recent carbon audit of his farm has enabled him to make targeted improvements, further enhancing wildlife corridors and biodiversity across the holding.

Ben’s passion extends beyond the land: he is a committed advocate for public understanding of sustainable farming, regularly engaging with non-farming audiences to communicate the vital role of agriculture in environmental health.

‘I am privileged to accept this award on behalf of everyone who cares about the countryside and farmed environment,” said Ben. “Farming and conservation are natural bedfellows: you cannot be passionate about one without the other.’

‘A valuable contribution to the Forest and its economy’

New Forest Awards winners 2025 including Andrew Parry-Norton (fourth from right) and Ben Dolbear (third from right)

The Awards, supported by Moore Barlow and the New Forest Agricultural Show Society, were presented at a ceremony at the New Forest Show last Wednesday afternoon. Trophies were handed out by 2025 New Forest Agricultural Show Society President, Lord Willie Manners.

Alison Barnes, chief executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘We’re proud to recognise the dedicated people who shape and support this extraordinary place. It takes a whole ‘Team New Forest’ to ensure the long-term survival of the National Park, and our winners really are best in class.’

Tim Bamford, CLA South East Regional Director, added: “The CLA congratulates all the deserving winners who make such a valuable contribution to the Forest and its economy.”

For more on the Awards and to see the full list of winners, head to the NPA website

Entries are officially open for the 2025 New Forest Pony & Cattle Breeding Society Annual Breed Show – and once again, the spotlight is on the cattle classes, an essential and long-standing part of the Show’s heritage.

While the main Breed Show continues to showcase New Forest ponies, the cattle classes have carved out their own legacy over the decades. Although no longer judged at the showground itself, cattle classes remain a central part of the event and are judged in advance either on competitors’ holdings or directly out on the open Forest.

This year’s schedule includes six main classes for:

• Forest-run and non-Forest-run cattle
• Youngstock
• Cattle sired by native breeds
• A Forest Run Championship
• Special recognition for Best Young Commoner

New for 2025: Commoners Beef Herd Class (C7)

The Society is especially proud to introduce a new class this year in memory of Matthew Gerrelli, a dedicated supporter of the Society, the cattle classes and former cattle champion. The ‘Commoners Beef Herd’ class (C7) honours his contribution and encourages participation from practising commoners.

• Open to practising Commoners in 2025
• Minimum of three cattle, any breed or age
• At least one entry required in class C1 or C2
• Judged alongside C1 and C2
• Winner receives the Beechwood Cup

Entries close on Monday, 18 August, with the provisional judging date being Thursday, 21 August.

• Cattle Classes schedule
• Online entry form
• Download a manual entry form – these can be returned by e-mail or post.

The New Forest CDA is encouraging all practising Commoners to take part.

Whether you’re entering a single animal or a whole herd, these classes are your chance to showcase your breeding, care, and commitment to keeping New Forest heritage alive.

For questions or support with entry forms, please contact the New Forest Pony Breeding and Cattle Society office or visit the Society’s website

A bumper acorn crop is expected across the New Forest this year.

As a result, Forestry England and The Verderers of the New Forest have confirmed the 2025 pannage season will take place between Monday, 15 September and Friday, 28 November.

However, these dates are subject to change as an extension could be agreed later in the year.

What is pannage?

Pannage is the traditional practice of turning out domestic pigs into woodland to forage for fallen acorns, beech mast, chestnuts, and other nuts. This is more than just a tradition as it plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Forest.

While acorns are a natural and nutritious food source for pigs, they are toxic in large quantities to other grazing animals such as ponies and cattle. Allowing pigs to clear the Forest floor helps protect the health of other livestock and continues a practice that dates back centuries.

Important reminders for Commoners

• Pigs must be inspected and marked by their area agister at least 14 days before being turned out
• Property owners adjacent to the open Forest are reminded that it is their responsibility to fence out Forest animals, including pigs. Standard fencing for ponies and cattle may not be sufficient to deter pigs, so check your boundaries carefully

Need more information?

If you have questions or need assistance regarding the 2025 pannage season, please contact:

The Verderers’ Office
The King’s House
Lyndhurst, Hampshire
SO43 7NH
Tel: 02380 282052