I – A-Z of Commoning and the New Forest

There are many websites with information about commoning and the New Forest. For example:

www.verderers.org.uk has information from the Verderers (see V) who set byelaws for the Forest.

www.nfls.org.uk which is the website of the New Forest Livestock Society, explains the working of the Beaulieu Road sales yard.

www.nfcda.co.uk has information about the New Forest Commoners Defence Association.

Inclosures (or enclosures) are parts of the Forest that are fenced to keep out the commoners’ animals so that young trees can grow. If the animals get into an inclosure they can cause a lot of damage, so it’s important to keep the gates closed.

Once its trees have grown too big for the animals to harm, an inclosure can be thrown open again. Many were planted long ago and now have spectacular trees. What many people don’t realise is that the fences around the inclosures are important for the drifts, as they help to funnel the animals in particular directions.