How the Young Commoners are helping protect New Forest for future generations

This article by Daisy Slocombe, chair of the New Forest Young Commoners and New Forest CDA committee member, was first published in the CDA’s annual report for 2025.

The committee has had a busy year, so I hope you’ve got a cuppa and are sitting comfortably.

• Jake and Tom hosted three guided walks; all of these sold out. The boys did an excellent job educating the public on all things commoning and our shared Forest.
• We have taken the mobile exhibition trailer out on three occasions. Rowan, Matt, Sophie, and Isaac took it to the Conservation Day at Beaulieu. Louise, Rowan and Lucy spent the day with it at Bolton’s Bench. Jake and I took it to Holmsley campsite.
• We wrote an article on how the public can support the Forest.
• We collaborated with the Heritage Centre and Culture in Common on a project highlighting the importance of the New Forest pony.
• Jake and Ines supported the New Forest Schools Day by creating an interactive game to teach local children about the New Forest Code.
• Lucy took the reins and organised a fundraising event for the Injured Stallion Fund, generously hosted by the Parry-Nortons.
• We supported stallion owner Kate Robb through the newly devised Injured Stallion Fund, initiated by Luke.
• Collectively we organised the CDA stand at the New Forest Show and achieved a near record breaking total.
• Luke and I met with the deputy surveyor, Craig Harrison, to discuss how Forestry England can support Young Commoners.
• Jonny and I met with Andy and Keith to talk over our finances.
• We welcomed Sam Loades to a meeting on available funding for Commoners.
• Ben organised a successful hedge-laying course.
• Louise represented Young Commoners on the CDA sub-committee on FE housing.
• Recognising that much of the work sustaining commoning happens quietly and without fanfare, the committee introduced the Young Commoner’s Recognition Award to honour outstanding contribution. The award was presented for the first time to Elycia Farnish.
• We hosted a first aid course.

Being Chair is made easy by the strength of this committee. Every member brings new ideas, different perspectives and a proactive approach to the challenges young Commoners face. I am proud of what we have achieved this year and hope everyone reading this feels the same.

Thank you to all the Commoners, especially our elders, for your continued support and willingness to guide us. I hope that with everything I have listed, you are reassured that the Young Commoners committee are passionate about ensuring our indefinite aim of protecting our Forest for future generations.

Help required!

The committee has organised several engagement days with Camping in the Forest, where we will take the MET to selected campsites, and we would value your support.

If you can help at any of the following events, please get in touch, as even a few hours make a real difference.

• Tuesday 28^th, Wednesday 29^th, Thursday 30^th July: New Forest Show (branding or taking orders)
• Saturday 8^th August: MET @ Denny Campsite, 10am-3pm