Katie Walding, Author at Real New Forest

Foal season is almost upon us, meaning the first of the New Forest foals will be emerging over the next few weeks.

The foals are the offspring of the stallions turned out last summer which means they are both sired and born on the Forest.

The foals’ arrival coincides with the spring grass and it is hoped that this, along with better weather, will provide them with the best conditions to develop and thrive.

This signals an important time of year for New Forest commoners, with the majority of the ponies out on the Forest pure-bred with bloodlines that span generations.

It forms a small but significant part of the rich history and culture of New Forest commoning and commoners, who play a hugely important role in managing the landscape.

If you’re enjoying the National Park, please be extra cautious around grazing animals and in particular the foals given their unpredictability and lack of road sense.

Stallions will be released on the New Forest for a six-week period this summer.

A total of 21 have been chosen and will be turned out to breed with the free-roaming mares from Monday, 12 May.

A select number of stallions are let out each year to help maintain the New Forest pony bloodlines and control the number of foals born each year.

The stallions are chosen based on their type, conformation and temperament.

Kerry Dovey-Whiting, who helped judge the stallions for the New Forest Pony Breeders and Cattle Society, explains the background behind the judging. “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,” she says.

“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 helps to keep the natural ecology balance on the Forest.”

Since 2010, the New Forest Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme has provided funding for back-up grazing for up to 30 stallions each year. The scheme is a partnership between the Verderers of the New Forest, Forestry England and the New Forest National Park Authority.

This funding encourages commoners to own stallions and ensures they have land to graze on during the long period when they are not permitted to be on the Forest. From the pool of 30, a number are released each year.

Members of the public are warned not to approach the stallions and to keep their distance from them. Dogs should be kept on lead and drivers are being urged to take extra care across the Forest.

This is an update on animal accidents in the New Forest from Gilly Jones, who is chair of the Animal Accidents Reduction Group and who leads the New Forest Roads Awareness campaign over social media.

The report was first published in the New Forest CDA annual report for 2025.

We are hoping that all commoners will be thankful that the livestock deaths are again coming down. The year 2024 saw the lowest numbers of livestock fatalities in history. The start of 2025 hasn’t been too good, so we all need to up our game.

Commoners had 37 animals killed on the roads in 2024, down from 42 in 2023. If we go back to 2014, 68 animals died.

There are many reasons for this, including Operation Mountie, a multi-agency working group which includes commoners, Forestry England and National Park rangers, NFDC staff and obviously Hampshire Police do an anti-speeding session once a month. We also do extra Operations as and when collisions happen.

There is also a huge amount of work done by commoners, CDA and the Young Commoners on social media.

Out of the 22 pony deaths in 2024, only three had collars on. We have no way of knowing how many livestock lives have been saved by animals that have been fitted with them, but the numbers will be huge.

The after effects of an animal accident in the New Forest

Dartmoor is now following the New Forest and fitting its livestock with them. There is work going on to find ones suitable for donkeys. I know some commoners think the collars are dangerous, but I hope that they will rethink it.

Please lead by example and drive with care around the Forest and when dealing with the livestock. Everyone has a video camera on their phone and we are under a huge amount of scrutiny.

Speed is not always the reason for a collision, and again we are working on your behalf to educate drivers. All our social media pages are slowly turning the tide and getting the public to know, like and trust commoners.

We have worked with Hampshire Police to make sure all call centre staff are fully trained in how to deal with a livestock collision call.

I am hoping that 2025 will get better, and I will carry on working as hard as I can to reduce the number of collisions.

Gilly Jones, chair of New Forest Roads Awareness

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.’