The New Forest Livestock Society (NFLS) have confirmed their dates for the 2025 sales at Beaulieu Road sale yard.

The dates are as follows:

• Beaulieu Road sale yard – Thursday 29th May (tentative pre-sale youngstock show)
• Beaulieu Road sale yard – Thursday 9th October
• Beaulieu Road sale yard – Thursday 6th November (tentative pre-sale foal show)
• Timed online sale – Friday 28th November to Wednesday 3rd December

For further information, visit the New Forest Livestock Society website

We would like to wish a very Happy New Year to all of members of the New Forest CDA.

We hope 2025 is a healthy and prosperous one for everyone.

Andrew Parry-Norton, chair of the CDA, has issued the following video message as we welcome in the new year.

A very Merry Christmas from everyone at the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association.

We hope you have an enjoyable day.

Please see below a short festive message from our Chair, Andrew Parry-Norton.

Andrew Parry-Norton discussed his views on recent meetings with the Forest Farming Group (FFG) and National Farmers’ Union (NFU) in his latest video update for New Forest commoners.

Andrew, who is Chair of the New Forest CDA, also talked about what the future holds for commoners in the Forest, why insuring livestock is so important, plus the latest on bridges and the proposed new cycle routes amid talks with Foresty England.

Watch the update in full by clicking on the link below.

Andrew Parry-Norton’s December update

Please see below details of two properties which are available to rent from Forestry England.

Both properties are being let on a Farm Business Tenancy (FBT) if you are actively contributing to the practical management of the land, vegetation or wildlife of the New Forest, or the management of commoning livestock that grazes upon it.

Your contribution should be regarded as more than minimal and/or temporary. Do not apply if you do not meet these criteria.

Viewings are by appointment only.

If you have any queries, please direct them as soon as possible to:

Fergus Robertson-McIsaac
Assistant Land Agent
South England District
Forestry England

Email: fergus.robertson-mc@forestryengland.uk

White Cottage West, Burley Road, Burley

White Cottage West Particulars to Let

Residential Application Form

Declaration of Income

Shave Green Cottage, Lyndhurst Road, Cadnam

Shave Green Particulars to Let

Residential Application Form

Declaration of Income

The outcome of the election for the two new New Forest Verderers has been revealed.

Alison Tilbury and Kay Harrison received the most votes, scooping 207 and 182 votes respectively.

Mark Ferrett received 159 votes, while Gilly Jones picked up 65.

Two thirds of those who had registered to vote in Tuesday’s election took part, with 340 ballot papers issued among the electorate of 511.

Alison and Kay replace the outgoing Graham Ferris and Dave Readhead.

New Forest CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton said: “Congratulations to the two new Verderers, Alison Tilbury and Kay Harrison. We look forward to working with them in their new roles.”

New Forest CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton has delivered a message of thanks to the two outgoing elected Verderers this month.

The terms of Graham Ferris and Dave Readhead come to an end on Tuesday, 26 November, when the election takes place to replace them both.

Andrew made a presentment at the November session of Verderers’ Court last week to thank Graham and Dave for their work during their time in office.

“This court is the last for Graham Ferris and Dave Readhead; both have contributed hugely to the Forest and commoning,” he said.

“They have played active roles in the CDA committee and represented the commoners’ interests in their role as Verderers.

“Their commitment and knowledge will be greatly missed and a simple thank you seems inadequate.

“The CDA wishes them both well for the future. We owe you both a debt of gratitude and a well-deserved rest, although I have no doubt we will still see you out and about.

“Thank you.”

CDA Presentment

New Forest CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton has issued his latest video update for November.

He addressed a number of topics, including:

• the Hustings event for new elected Verderers at Bramshaw Village Hall
• BVD vaccines
• Presentments at Verderers’ Court

Watch Andrew’s video in full below.

In case you missed any of his updates from previous months, watch the October video here and the September update is here

New Young Commoners chairperson Daisy Slocombe addressed the Verderers’ Court this week.

The presentment, which was made on behalf of the Young Commoners group, was regarding the state of bridges in the New Forest.

Daisy, who took up her role at the start of the month, explained to the court how important bridges are for checking livestock, gaining access to an area in an emergency, and the welfare of animals.

She called on the Verderers to request a map from Forestry England which outlines which bridges will be remaining in situ and of those, which will have vehicle and equestrian access.

You can read the presentment in full below.

FINAL YC bridges presentment November 2024

Four commoners have put themselves forward to become an elected Verderer at the election later this month.

They are Mark Ferrett, Kay Harrison, Gilly Jones and Alison Tilbury.

All four will be attending a Hustings event, where they will introduce themselves to commoners and outline their manifestos, at the New Forest Commoners Defence Association (CDA) mid-term meeting at Bramshaw Village Hall, at 7.30pm on Thursday night (November 14).

They will be quizzed by CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton and answer questions from those in attendance.

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

Everyone who has registered to vote must bring their poll card to vote. Voting hours are from 10am until 8pm.

The polling stations are:

• Lyndhurst – The Verderers Hall, Kings House, Lyndhurst SO43 7NH
• Fordingbridge – Avonway Community Centre, 36 Shaftesbury St, Fordingbridge, SP6 1JF
• Lymington – Town Hall, Avenue Rd, Lymington SO41 9GJ
• Ringwood – Carvers Clubhouse, 92 Southampton Rd, Ringwood BH24 1JD

The outcome of the election will be announced on Wednesday, 27 November.