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.

Beaulieu Road pony sales dates for 2025

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

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About the New Forest Commoners Defence Association

Explore what we do

Animals
© 2018 Sally Fear
You and the Forest
© 2018 Sally Fear

Commoning year

August

The first drifts of the Autumn take place in August and the New Forest Pony breed shows takes place

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Latest News

Entries open for 2025 Breed Show Cattle Classes – including new ‘Commoners Beef Herd’ Class
Bramble: Champion Cow 2024 owned by James Young

Entries open for 2025 Breed Show Cattle Classes – including new ‘Commoners Beef Herd’ Class

4th August 2025

Entries are officially open for the 2025 New Forest Pony & Cattle Breeding Society Annual Breed Show – and once again, the spotlight is on the cattle classes, an essential ... READ MORE

Bumper acorn crop expected as New Forest pannage season dates confirmed

Bumper acorn crop expected as New Forest pannage season dates confirmed

28th July 2025

A bumper acorn crop is expected across the New Forest this year. As a result, Forestry England and The Verderers of the New Forest have confirmed the 2025 pannage season will ... READ MORE

New Forest Commoners pushing for recognition as a minority group

New Forest Commoners pushing for recognition as a minority group

24th July 2025

A new initiative is underway to explore whether New Forest Commoners could be formally recognised as a minority group. The primary purpose is to help protect Commoners' unique ... READ MORE

Discover the New Forest CDA stand at this year’s New Forest Show
New Forest CDA stand at the New Forest Show

Discover the New Forest CDA stand at this year’s New Forest Show

23rd July 2025

Visitors to this year’s New Forest Show are warmly invited to stop by the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association (CDA) stand, to learn about one of the Forest’s oldest and ... READ MORE

New Forest Commoners voice concerns on fallen timber and food waste bins at Verderers’ Court
Verderers Court

New Forest Commoners voice concerns on fallen timber and food waste bins at Verderers’ Court

22nd July 2025

At this month’s sitting of Verderers’ Court, Andrew Parry-Norton, chair of the New Forest Commoners Defence Association (CDA), delivered two presentments highlighting urgent ... READ MORE

Wildfire risks and pony welfare – Help protect New Forest for future generations
Keep your distance from animals sign

Wildfire risks and pony welfare – Help protect New Forest for future generations

16th July 2025

The New Forest is a living, working landscape which is rich in tradition, natural beauty and shared responsibility. New Forest Commoners play a vital role in its care and ... READ MORE

How proposed options for local government revamp could impact New Forest commoners
Chair of the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association Andrew Parry-Norton

How proposed options for local government revamp could impact New Forest commoners

11th July 2025

Chair of the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association (CDA), Andrew Parry-Norton, has outlined how the proposed options for local government reorganisation could impact ... READ MORE

Commoners urged to speak up amid local government shake-up

Commoners urged to speak up amid local government shake-up

8th July 2025

Commoners with land or holdings in the Waterside and Totton areas are being urged to raise their concerns amid fears that proposed local government changes could impact their ... READ MORE

Three properties available to rent for New Forest commoners
New Copse Cottage South

Three properties available to rent for New Forest commoners

1st July 2025

Forestry England is inviting applications from active New Forest commoners to rent three properties in the Forest. Full details of the properties and how commoners can apply for ... READ MORE

‘We have a responsibility to keep up the momentum’ – New Forest CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton’s Verderers’ Court presentment
Verderers Court

‘We have a responsibility to keep up the momentum’ – New Forest CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton’s Verderers’ Court presentment

30th June 2025

Andrew Parry-Norton delivered a presentment on the urgent need for a sustainable agri-environmental future for the New Forest at this month's sitting of Verderers' Court. The ... READ MORE

Top tips for enjoying the New Forest

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