New Forest CDA latest update: DEFRA meeting, commoning and Bluetongue

New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association chair Andrew Parry-Norton has shared his latest thoughts on a number of issues during his latest video update

Andrew talks about his meeting with DEFRA minister Stephen Morgan, lessons from other commons, the growing threat of Bluetongue virus and the start of this year’s pannage season.

Making the case for the New Forest

At this year’s New Forest Show, Andrew met Stephen Morgan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at DEFRA to talk to him about the New Forest and some of the issues facing Commoners.

The conversation covered the unique nature of the Forest, the way it is managed and the funding needed to support the many different activities and responsibilities involved in looking after it.

Andrew said: ‘I really hope he (Stephen Morgan) understands what is happening here and why it is so unique.’

Learning from other commons

Andrew also recently attended a World Horse Welfare seminar in Somerset, which had representatives from several commons including Bodmin, Dartmoor and Exmoor.

One of the most striking issues to come out of it, according to Andrew, was the perceived lack of governance and overall responsibility on some commons. The result, said Andrew, was a serious animal welfare problem, with some ponies in very poor condition.

Andrew said the seminar left him particularly proud of the system that exists in the New Forest and the system of governance is something that should not be taken for granted.

Concerns around Bluetongue virus

Andrew also raised concerns about the increasing threat of Bluetongue, which can affect cattle, goats, sheep and camelids such as alpacas and can be fatal.

Cases have been moving closer to the New Forest, with Salisbury among the areas of concern.

Vaccination is available, although supplies have been limited. Commoners with cattle, goats, alpacas or other susceptible livestock are encouraged to speak to their vet about vaccination and taking appropriate precautions.

Pannage gets underway

This year’s pannage season began last Monday (September 14), with pigs being turned out to feed on fallen acorns and other fallen foods.

Andrew highlighted that this year is very different from last year’s mast year, when there was an exceptionally large crop of acorns.

There are far fewer acorns available this year, meaning Commoners need to keep a particularly close eye on their pigs and their condition.

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