New Forest CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton shares equine flu warning and commoning update

New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA) chair Andrew Parry-Norton has urged people not to leave buckets of water out for New Forest ponies as the outbreak of equine flu continues to spread across the Forest.

In his latest video update, Andrew said the disease has now resulted in 35 pony deaths in the New Forest, with cases continuing to be reported.

As a precaution, the Verderers have cancelled all Drifts during August, with September’s programme under review.

Andrew stressed that while the current hot weather may prompt people to try to help, ponies are well adapted to finding their own water from streams and other natural sources. Leaving buckets of water out can encourage animals to gather unnaturally, increasing the risk of spreading equine flu.

He also provided an update on plans to secure the long-term future of commoning through the proposed Landscape Recovery environmental scheme.

Work is continuing on the application, with a key focus on ensuring commoning remains at the heart of the project. A facilitator is being recruited through a partnership between the CDA, Verderers and New Forest National Park Authority to work with Commoners and organisations, with one of the aims being to develop a grazing management plan.

Watch Andrew’s video in full below or on our Facebook page