New Forest
The New Forest has not really changed since William the Conqueror
in 1079, over 900 years ago established the Forest and its strict
laws to safeguard the deer for hunting. Covering 93,000 acres (145
square miles) in area it is the largest unenclosed area in Southern
England.
New Forest Keepers, who are employed by the Forestry
Commission,
are each responsible for a particular beat where they manage the
deer and all other wild plant and animal life.
The New Forest consists of a mixture of native deciduous and coniferous
woodland, heaths, bogs, streams and estuaries.
Ponies, cattle and pigs are allowed to roam freely, but are privately
owned and grazed under an ancient system or grazing rights for the
Commoners, under the control of Verderers and Agisters.
Anyone owning or renting property that has the right of pasture
attached is entitled to graze stock on the forest.
More than 400 Commoners turn their cattle, pigs, ponies and donkeys
out, while the Aigsters police the heaths and woods, checking on
the welfare of around 5000 animals all year round.
The Verderers court which dates back to Norman times, still meets
in Lyndhurst to administer the commoning system and its forest habitat.
Organise a Forestry Commission Ranger to take you walking deep into
the heart of the Forest, to places you would never find alone. Tel:
023 8028 3141.
New Forest Forestry Commission events.
Info & booking on 023 8028 6840
The New Forest Code
www.newforestcommoners.co.uk
www.newforestpony.com
www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest
www.newforesttrust.org.uk
www.newforestnpa.gov.uk Return to Top of page
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