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

A new initiative is underway to explore whether New Forest Commoners could be formally recognised as a minority group.

The primary purpose is to help protect Commoners’ unique cultural heritage, land-based traditions and way of life for generations to come.

As part of the early-stage work, the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA) is launching a simple two-question survey to gauge support and visibility of the proposal within the Commoning community.

The survey aims to understand how many people identify as Commoners both now and potentially in the future. The survey comprises the following yes/no questions:

• If you had known it was an option, would you have identified as a New Forest Commoner in the most recent national census?
• If it becomes an option, would you identify as a New Forest Commoner in future national censuses?

It is hoped the results will demonstrate the scale and commitment of the Commoning community while supporting the case for recognition in public records and policy.

Chair of the New Forest CDA, Andrew Parry-Norton, said: ‘The purpose of this short survey is cultural visibility.

‘Commoning is a way of life deeply tied to the landscape, with roots going back hundreds of years. But unless we’re counted we are at risk of being overlooked.’

The results of the survey will inform wider discussions with policymakers, heritage bodies, and other minority communities in the UK who have achieved formal recognition.

Anyone who considers themselves a New Forest Commoner is encouraged to take part and share the survey widely within the community.

Take the survey here

Read the introductory report by Brice Stratford: Recognising New Forest commoners as a national minority

The deadline to complete the survey is Sunday, 31 August.

Visitors to this year’s New Forest Show are warmly invited to stop by the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA) stand, to learn about one of the Forest’s oldest and most vital traditions: Commoning.

The CDA stand, run by the committee and Young Commoners committee, offers a rare insight into the world of the New Forest Commoners – those who have grazed their animals on the open Forest for generations and played a crucial role in preserving its unique landscape and way of life.

Throughout the Show, which takes place between Tuesday, 29 July and Thursday, 31 July, commoners will be on hand to chat, answer questions and share their knowledge to the wider public.

It will be a fantastic opportunity to hear first-hand about the challenges and rewards of Commoning in the New Forest, how it shapes the Forest today, and why its future depends on continued public support and understanding.

New Forest CDA Stand at the New Forest Show

From learning about livestock and traditional rights to understanding the threats facing Commoning in a changing world, the CDA stand will be informative, engaging, and family-friendly.

There will also be a chance to purchase a bespoke wooden plaque made at the Show by Commoners. Proceeds from the sales go towards the CDA and Young Commoners.

Find the New Forest CDA stand in the New Forest Corner area at the Show.

At this month’s sitting of Verderers’ Court, Andrew Parry-Norton, chair of the New Forest Commoners Defence Association (CDA), delivered two presentments highlighting urgent concerns affecting the management of the Forest.

In the first presentment, Andrew addressed the increasing volume of fallen trees and timber in woodland areas, supporting a presentment at the Court the previous month from a fellow Commoner to have the debris more actively cleared.

‘The CDA acknowledges that a certain amount should be left for the benefit of the ecology,’ he said on Wednesday, 16 July. ‘But we now feel this policy has been taken to the extreme. Access for stock welfare has become difficult and dangerous.’

The second presentment focused on New Forest District Council’s roll-out of food waste bins.

‘As was predicted by the CDA, the rollout has not gone well,’ Andrew told the Court, referencing pictures and reports of donkeys prising open the caddies and consuming the contents.

He warned the problem would only worsen with the approaching pannage season, when pigs are turned out onto the Forest in autumn.

‘Urgent discussions need to take place involving all interested parties, maybe suspending the separation of the waste food from general waste until this problem is solved,’ added Andrew.

You can read the two presentments in full here

The New Forest is a living, working landscape which is rich in tradition, natural beauty and shared responsibility.

New Forest Commoners play a vital role in its care and protection which is why views are being sought on two important Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) that were introduced in July 2023 to reduce wildfire risks and protect the welfare of Commoners’ free-roaming animals.

These PSPOs are now due for review, and feedback is wanted to decide whether they should be extended.

What the PSPOs do

• PSPO 1: Prohibits the lighting of fires and barbecues, as well as the dropping or placing of items that could cause a fire, such as used disposable barbecues or smouldering litter, within defined areas of the Forest
• PSPO 2: Prohibits the feeding or petting of free-roaming New Forest ponies, horses, donkeys, and mules, to safeguard animal welfare and reduce risks to the public

These orders were introduced to reduce wildfire risk – especially during dry months – and support the health and welfare of livestock.

Each PSPO lasts for up to three years and they are then reviewed before a decision is made to extend them or not.

Why Commoners’ voices matter

The New Forest is a shared space, shaped by generations of Commoning so the insight of Commoners of how the two PSPOs are working on the ground is invaluable.

Whether it be positive change, concerns, or suggestions, New Forest District Council (NFDC) is after feedback to help shape the future of these protections.

How to have your say

NFDC is inviting all New Forest Commoners to take part in a short survey to help it decide whether these orders should be extended for another three years.

The feedback will directly influence how the council – along with partners The Verderers of the New Forest, Forestry England and the New Forest National Park Authority – continues to safeguard the Forest and its unique way of life.

Take the survey here

The deadline to complete the survey is midnight on Sunday, 10 August.

Chair of the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA), Andrew Parry-Norton, has outlined how the proposed options for local government reorganisation could impact commoners.

New Forest District Council is calling on those in and around the Forest to give their feedback on the three proposals with commoners on parts of the Waterside and in Totton potentially hit in a variety of ways by the changes.

Here are Andrew’s thoughts on the issue:

‘Option one is for the New Forest to join up with the Test Valley, Winchester, a bit of east Hampshire and become what they’re going to call a Mid Hampshire District Council,’ he says.

‘Option two is that the New Forest basically is going to join up with Southampton. And so we (the New Forest] just become like an add-on to Southampton District Council.

‘Option three is to split the Waterside off, so the Forest will be divided up between Test Valley and Southampton District Council.

‘Now this won’t affect our rights as commoners – nothing will do that. But if Southampton take on the Waterside, the worrying concern would be obviously the back-up grazing.

‘Jo Ivey’s report that came out recently highlighted a lot of the problems we have with back-up grazing. So potentially would Southampton – an urban council – look after our back-up grazing? Planning could be an issue, as could representation.

‘Southampton is huge – a population of just under 300,000 – and we are going to be a very small minority. Are they going to understand our concerns of how the Forest runs and how it is so unique? There are potentially major problems.

‘My own personal view is we don’t want the Forest split. The Forest has to stay united. We’re working very hard on an agri-environmental scheme that will unite the whole Forest.

‘Let’s keep it together as one and make sure that commoners have a strong voice. We don’t want to see the Forest split, keep the Forest whole.

‘It’s your own choice and please make your own decisions on this, but I feel the Forest should stay united.’

Commoners impacted by the proposals can have their say in a survey through NFDC. You can take the survey here

Commoners with land or holdings in the Waterside and Totton areas are being urged to raise their concerns amid fears that proposed local government changes could impact their access to the New Forest.

Under the current reorganisation proposals, parts of Waterside and Totton may be transferred to a newly formed Southampton District Council. This shift raises serious concerns for commoners who rely on proximity to the Forest to exercise their grazing and other traditional rights.

If these changes go ahead, affected commoners find could themselves geographically and administratively cut off from the Forest, potentially putting generations of commoning practice at risk.

New Forest District Council (NFDC) is currently gathering feedback on the reorganisation through a survey, and commoners are being strongly encouraged to make their voices heard.

New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA) chair Andrew Parry-Norton says: ‘We at the CDA would urge anyone who may be affected by this to take the survey as soon as possible to express their views.

‘It is vital that the impact on traditional rights and access to the Forest is fully understood and taken into account during the process.’

For more information, visit the How to have your say section on the NFDC website here