Katie Walding, Author at Real New Forest

New Forest CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton made two presentments in front of Verderers at their April open court session.

The first presentment thanked Forestry England for ‘a very successful burning season’ while the second was a counter presentment following a suggestion at the March court that pony numbers in the Forest have increased.

Andrew also talked about pony welfare to the court, and urged anyone who sees a poorly animal to report it to the Verderers.

You can read both presentments, heard on Wednesday, April 16, in full below.

CDA Presentments – April 2025

See below for New Forest CDA presentments at Verderers’ Court from recent months.

This is the Young Commoners’ review of 2024/25, written by chair Daisy Slocombe. It was first published in the New Forest CDA annual report for 2025.

I’d like to thank Louise for her excellent work as Chairwoman of the Young Commoners’ committee over the past four years. Our long-serving treasurer Carla Wateridge has stepped down, along with Dan Wilding and Pete Fogarty – thank you all for your dedication.

Thanks to Robert Stride and the Point-to-Point committee for their hard work on the 2024 Boxing Day race. It was great to see so many Young Commoners racing, especially winners Cassidy Francis, Amelia Long, Jake Moore, and Isaac Lovell (who secured a hat-trick) – a huge well done to you all.

Congratulations to Kay Harrison and Alison Tilbury on their Verderers’ election success. Thank you to all commoners who support, advise and encourage Young Commoners.

The past year

The year 2024 started with a halter-breaking and handling morning delivered by Jenny Tillyer. Later in the month, the committee made a presentment, outlining our concerns about the proposed changes to ice cream sales.

In May, we had an informative evening, hosted by Ollie Cook, regarding funding available to commoners. We ran the CDA stand at the New Forest Show, and despite hot conditions, it was a success. Thank you to all who volunteered.

September’s successful evening, hosted by the Adams family, featured Robert Maton and Gill Wright discussing what makes a good colt.

In August, committee members Lucy, Ines, Steph, and Louise assisted with the gymkhana at the Breed Show. We were given a seat on the Verderers’ stallion consultation committee, with Luke Blomfield representing us. Guided by Luke, we have put forward the idea of an Injured Stallion Fund – we will keep you posted.

Committee members met to discuss the PA2 study results on future Government funding. Disappointingly, few young commoners filled out the survey. It is important we voice our needs to ensure commoning continues. Ben Dolbear is our expert, so please do approach him!

In November, the committee made a presentment on bridge accessibility. In February, we welcomed Jonathan, the NPA and CDA communications officer, to our meeting. We want to show a true representation of young commoners. The more the public understands, the better chance we have of educating them.

Recently, we have welcomed Matt Pooley, Rowan Cranton and Isaac Lovell to the committee. It was incredibly encouraging and refreshing to see so many eager young commoners apply for a spot on the committee. The committee encourages all applicants to stay involved and actively participate in events throughout the year.

All Young Commoners needed

It’s been great seeing new and younger faces at events and meetings this year. The current climate is bringing significant changes to the Forest – changes we must address.

This is a pivotal time to stand up, be counted, and take action by learning from our elders, working with peers, and confidently voicing our opinions. Some meetings or events may not be thrilling, but showing up is essential.

I encourage both new and familiar faces to attend YC and CDA committee events. This is our shared Forest – one we must continue showing up for.

Young Commoners at an information session

Forestry England (FE) housing

Towards the end of the year, two FE properties became available for rental. In line with the New Forest Housing Review, they were marketed specifically for practising commoners.

We thank the Verderers for notifying members and the association about these opportunities, though FE’s minimal marketing was disappointing. Despite the short application window before Christmas, we understand FE received multiple applications.

This clearly highlights the continued need for commoners’ housing, and I’m pleased the properties have been offered to young commoners.

What next year has in store

I’m looking forward to seeing what the next year holds for the committee and every young commoner in the Forest. The committee is committed to securing commoning’s future and protecting our Forest, not just its financial future.

We plan to host a summer round-up in June (TBC), lead educational walks, run the NFS CDA stand, organise training, make presentments on pressing matters, and continue advocating for Young Commoners.

As chair, I welcome new ideas, feedback, and input. I want every young commoner to feel supported, heard, and enthusiastic about our future. If there’s an issue you’d like addressed, please reach out to any committee member.

Daisy Slocombe, chair of the New Forest Young Commoners

This weekend marks the New Forest Spring stallion inspection for 2025 at Beaulieu Road sales yard.

Colts and stallions will be presented for inspection on Saturday, April 5 by the judges and a select group will be chosen to go out on the open Forest with free-roaming mares later in the year.

The event is organised by the New Forest Pony Breeders and Cattle Society and three judges are invited to inspect New Forest colts to ascertain whether the colt meets the required breed society standard before being allowed to be used as breeding stallions.

The inspection runs in three parts, as outlined below.

The three judges assess the colt for type, conformation and temperament. All colts have to achieve a minimum pass mark of 70/100 to then be checked by a vet.
The vet will check for any abnormalities or defects in the colt which could be passed down to his offspring.
Once a colt has passed, an owner can elect to present their colt in front of the Verderers. Judges are then looking at the colts and older stallions to pick the top animals to be released on the open Forest to serve the feral mare herds, to produce the spring crop of foals for next year.

One of the judges from the New Forest Pony Breeders and Cattle Society, Kerry Dovey-Whiting, provides an insight into what is being looked for at the inspection.

“The idea of inspecting colts is to ensure only ponies with correct conformation and ponies which exhibit New Forest pony breed type can go out to breed foals. It is important to protect the New Forest pony breed by not allowing colts with poor limbs or inefficient movement to sire foals.

“In the inspection I am not looking for perfection as no colts are perfect. We (judges) use a scoresheet to assess movement, type, and general conformation, which gives the colt an overall mark.

“Not all the judges have to pass the colt – two out of three can be sufficient. It is really important the colts are inspected as one colt or stallion can sire up to 40 foals, so if you permitted a stallion with a conformational defect to breed, that fault can be passed on to lots of ponies.

“The colt inspection is a big day for pony colt owners, and some don’t understand when their pride and joy doesn’t meet the required standard. However, it is not just one person’s opinion. Having three judges means the overall scoring produces the right colts passing on the day.

“I am looking for colts which I think will enhance the New Forest pony breed and help improve some of the breeding mare characteristics”

“It is vital for the New Forest pony breed that there are new foals each spring to prevent numbers decreasing and the breeding mare stocks to dwindle. The ponies’ grazing help to keep the natural ecology balance on the Forest.

“I am looking for colts which I think will enhance the New Forest pony breed and help improve some of the breeding mare characteristics. For example, native ponies should be able to live out in the wild and browse on the natural vegetation.

“To achieve this, they need well-defined jaw lines and need efficient movement to travel in their grazing haunt. I am looking for colts to have the right amount of bone, meaning not too spindly a leg to achieve the best crop of foals.

“I really enjoy looking at the young colts and following their progress to see how they develop and the foals they have in the future years.”

Andrew Parry-Norton, chair of the New Forest CDA, has issued his monthly video update to members.

He talks about recent meetings with the New Forest National Park Authority, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), as well as plans for the New Forest Show later this year.

There is also a reminder about the CDA’s annual general meeting, which takes place on Friday, April 11 at Lyndhurst Community Centre.

Watch the video below or on the CDA Facebook page here

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

Plans to introduce car parking charges in the New Forest was the subject of the New Forest CDA’s March presentment at Verderers’ Court.

Chair Andrew Parry-Norton told the court on Wednesday, March 17, that any planning processes need to be out in the open before firm decisions are made.

Read the presentment in full here

See below for New Forest CDA presentments at Verderers’ Court from recent months.

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.

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)