New Forest Young Commoners: ‘A pivotal time to stand up, be counted and take action’

This is the Young Commoners’ review of 2024/25, written by chair Daisy Slocombe. It was first published in the New Forest CDA annual report for 2025.

I’d like to thank Louise for her excellent work as Chairwoman of the Young Commoners’ committee over the past four years. Our long-serving treasurer Carla Wateridge has stepped down, along with Dan Wilding and Pete Fogarty – thank you all for your dedication.

Thanks to Robert Stride and the Point-to-Point committee for their hard work on the 2024 Boxing Day race. It was great to see so many Young Commoners racing, especially winners Cassidy Francis, Amelia Long, Jake Moore, and Isaac Lovell (who secured a hat-trick) – a huge well done to you all.

Congratulations to Kay Harrison and Alison Tilbury on their Verderers’ election success. Thank you to all commoners who support, advise and encourage Young Commoners.

The past year

The year 2024 started with a halter-breaking and handling morning delivered by Jenny Tillyer. Later in the month, the committee made a presentment, outlining our concerns about the proposed changes to ice cream sales.

In May, we had an informative evening, hosted by Ollie Cook, regarding funding available to commoners. We ran the CDA stand at the New Forest Show, and despite hot conditions, it was a success. Thank you to all who volunteered.

September’s successful evening, hosted by the Adams family, featured Robert Maton and Gill Wright discussing what makes a good colt.

In August, committee members Lucy, Ines, Steph, and Louise assisted with the gymkhana at the Breed Show. We were given a seat on the Verderers’ stallion consultation committee, with Luke Blomfield representing us. Guided by Luke, we have put forward the idea of an Injured Stallion Fund – we will keep you posted.

Committee members met to discuss the PA2 study results on future Government funding. Disappointingly, few young commoners filled out the survey. It is important we voice our needs to ensure commoning continues. Ben Dolbear is our expert, so please do approach him!

In November, the committee made a presentment on bridge accessibility. In February, we welcomed Jonathan, the NPA and CDA communications officer, to our meeting. We want to show a true representation of young commoners. The more the public understands, the better chance we have of educating them.

Recently, we have welcomed Matt Pooley, Rowan Cranton and Isaac Lovell to the committee. It was incredibly encouraging and refreshing to see so many eager young commoners apply for a spot on the committee. The committee encourages all applicants to stay involved and actively participate in events throughout the year.

All Young Commoners needed

It’s been great seeing new and younger faces at events and meetings this year. The current climate is bringing significant changes to the Forest – changes we must address.

This is a pivotal time to stand up, be counted, and take action by learning from our elders, working with peers, and confidently voicing our opinions. Some meetings or events may not be thrilling, but showing up is essential.

I encourage both new and familiar faces to attend YC and CDA committee events. This is our shared Forest – one we must continue showing up for.

Young Commoners at an information session

Forestry England (FE) housing

Towards the end of the year, two FE properties became available for rental. In line with the New Forest Housing Review, they were marketed specifically for practising commoners.

We thank the Verderers for notifying members and the association about these opportunities, though FE’s minimal marketing was disappointing. Despite the short application window before Christmas, we understand FE received multiple applications.

This clearly highlights the continued need for commoners’ housing, and I’m pleased the properties have been offered to young commoners.

What next year has in store

I’m looking forward to seeing what the next year holds for the committee and every young commoner in the Forest. The committee is committed to securing commoning’s future and protecting our Forest, not just its financial future.

We plan to host a summer round-up in June (TBC), lead educational walks, run the NFS CDA stand, organise training, make presentments on pressing matters, and continue advocating for Young Commoners.

As chair, I welcome new ideas, feedback, and input. I want every young commoner to feel supported, heard, and enthusiastic about our future. If there’s an issue you’d like addressed, please reach out to any committee member.

Daisy Slocombe, chair of the New Forest Young Commoners