Forest Rights

Commoners of the New Forest are those who occupy land or property to which attaches one or more rights over the Forest. These rights are:

• Common of pasture: commonable animals – ponies, cattle, donkeys and mules – are turned out into the Open Forest;
• Common of pasture for sheep: although some of the large estates have this right, it is infrequently exercised;
• Common of mast: the right to turn out pigs in the autumn to devour the acorns – this provides food for the pigs and reduces the threat to ponies and cattle from the poisonous acorns;
• Estovers (Fuelwood): the free supply of a stipulated amount of firewood to certain properties;
• Common of marl: the right to dig clay to improve agricultural land – this right is no longer exercised;
• Common of turbary: the right to cut peat turves for the Commoner’s personal use- this right is no longer exercised;

The most important right is the Common of Pasture. Those who wish to exercise this right must apply to the Verderers’ Clerk who will confirm the existence of the right and allocate a brand for the animals. Once branded, they may be turned out into the Forest upon payment of a Marking Fee to the local Agister.