Welcome
Discover the real New Forest – an incredible living, working landscape, shaped over centuries by the animals that graze it, and the people who own and care for them – the Commoners.
Ordinary people, with ordinary jobs, but with an extraordinary commitment.
If you want reliable, straightforward answers to your questions about the New Forest and prefer fact over folklore then this is the site for you. Please do explore.
We’ve included more information than ever before.
If you know what you’re looking for then do use the Search button above to go straight to the right place.
You can also support us by applying to join the NFCDA. You don’t need to be a Commoner to join as an Associate Member.
New Forest Drive Safe
Find out more and sign up to the New Forest Drive Safe initiative here
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About Commoning
About the New Forest Commoners Defence Association
Explore what we do
Commoning year
December
The shortest days
December sees the final sale of the year of New Forest ponies at Beaulieu Road Pony Sale. Commoners will have been out across the Forest catching the last few mares and foals in preparation for the sale. Many ponies are not caught on the drifts and commoners will go out alone or in small groups to catch individual ponies.
In some years the acorn crop is heavy and commoners with the right of pannage are given an extension to continue turning their pigs out, this occasionally lasts until New Years Day. Commoners on the Crown lands, with a sow in pig, can also apply for a licence to continue turning her out so long as she returns home each night to sleep.
Latest News
Salt licks placed around the New Forest to help protect livestock
9th December 2025
The salt licks are back out for a fifth year to help protect New Forest livestock. Two of our committee members - Bill Howells (pictured above) and Tony Vanderhoek - have ... READ MORE
Win big by supporting the New Forest Trust
5th December 2025
The New Forest Trust works to preserve, sustain and enhance the unique beauty and conservation value of the New Forest for future generations. It has helped the New Forest CDA ... READ MORE
New Forest CDA Mid-Term meeting proves a success
2nd December 2025
A big thank you to all New Forest CDA members who turned out for our Mid-Term meeting at Bramshaw Village Hall last month - it was an excellent turn out and we hope all who ... READ MORE
Feedback wanted on extending wildfire and pony petting PSPOs
1st December 2025
A formal consultation has been launched on proposals to extend two existing Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). The Orders, which were originally introduced in July 2023, ... READ MORE
New Forest CDA 2026 calendar is out
13th November 2025
We're delighted to announce our calendar for 2026 has arrived. It features some lovely shots from across the New Forest to help showcase our centuries-old tradition. There ... READ MORE
New Forest CDA hosts Mid-Term meeting with guest talks on livestock and wildlife
10th November 2025
All members of the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association are invited to attend the Mid-Term meeting taking place this Friday - November 14 - and starting at 7.30pm at ... READ MORE
Commoners encouraged to help shape New Forest’s future
30th October 2025
The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) is inviting all residents - including the commoning community - to share their views in its latest residents’ survey. It represents ... READ MORE
Local businesses urged to join New Forest Drive Safe campaign
24th October 2025
Businesses across the New Forest are being asked to play their part in keeping the Forest’s roads and its iconic animals safe. The New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association ... READ MORE
New Forest CDA’s presentment at Verderers’ Court on parking charges introduction
23rd October 2025
The New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA) has called on all revenue raised through Forestry England’s new car parking charges to be reinvested directly into the New ... READ MORE
Young Commoners to host guided New Forest walk at Beaulieu Road
22nd October 2025
Members of the public will have a chance to hear from three Young Commoners during a commoning themed walk in the New Forest. It is all part of the New Forest Walking Festival - ... READ MORE
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