Supporting commoning

The New Forest has a long and proud history of commoning: the system whereby even today certain people have the right to release animals onto the open forest and collect firewood. It has given the forest its mosaic of grazed habitats and influences many aspects of the local communities. The New Forest remains one of the few extensive lowland commons where common rights are still widely practised and a strong commoning culture continues. This section details how we work with partner organisations to enable commoning to thrive alongside rising neighbouring populations, a vibrant and important economy, increased traffic, and higher land and house prices.