We encourage the Police to enforce the 40 m.p.h. speed limit; we work with the County Highway staff in the use of warning signs; there is a scheme to fit reflective collars to ponies; there is a £5000 reward for information leading to the successful prosecution and conviction of Hit & Run drivers; weekly animal accident statistics are distributed to the local press, and are also published on this website. The Verderers have published a leaflet on Animals and the Forest Roads
It would destroy the character of the Open Forest, damage and restrict grazing. The three A roads across the Forest have already been fenced and to fence others would require statutory authority.
Contact the Verderers Office; you may personally inspect the Atlas free of charge or the Clerk will assist for a fee.
Yes. The Regulations state that Presentment (addressing the Court) must be: “(1) relevant to some aspect of the New Forest or its management and (2) brief and (3) phrased in moderate language”
It is normal for semi-feral animals such as ponies to lose some condition in the winter. It is simply not possible to check every animal very frequently and some may become thinner than desirable. These animals should be brought to the attention of the Agister by reporting them to the Verderers’ Office and they will be removed from the Forest.
Yes; there are two welfare tours each year arranged by the Verderers. They are attended by DEFRA, British Horse Society, International League for the Protection of Horses, Blue Cross, RSPCA, Donkey Sanctuary, and local veterinary surgeons. The results of the survey are in the Court minutes and more recently in the Announcements also. The welfare organisations also carry out their own independent inspections.
The numbers of animals killed yearly are available from a link on the Education webpage
The Verderers do not have a written policy, but we endorse the Forestry England leaflet on dogs in the Forest. Dogs do occasionally harm livestock.
No; Forestry England is responsible for the deer.
The Verderers, Forestry England and National Park Authority each have their own separate powers and duties. However, they are all committed to working closely together in the best interests of the Forest.
Yes; please contact the Forestry England (0300 067 4601).
Yes; on official Camping in the Forest Ltd. sites only (and some private sites). Contact Camping the the Forest.
The Verderers’ powers extend to the commonable lands of the New Forest – that is land which is either now or will be at some time in the future, subject to common rights. Included within this are the timber inclosures of the Forest. The Verderers have no power over private enclosed land within or outside the Forest.
Elected Verderers must occupy a minimum of 1 acre of land with pasture rights. Appointed Verderers and the Official Verderer posts are advertised nationally. Anyone can apply.
Do not exceed 40 m.p.h; do not feed the animals (it is against the Bye-Laws and attracts animals to the roads); use official car parks (do not park on verges – this can limit drivers’ view of animals); give animals a wide berth and pass animals slowly; recognise that animals have no road sense; be particularly careful near foals; be particularly careful at night; slow down if dazzled by oncoming headlights. Donations for the reflective collar scheme can be sent to the Verderers’ Office and would be most welcome.
No; it is contrary to Bye-Laws. See the notes on the Education webpage. Ponies must not be petted. Feeding and petting encourage them to behave badly and increases the chances of them of causing harm to children. Encouraging them to loiter near car parks and the roads increases the risk to them from vehicles.
They may be used for riding and driving – see the New Forest Pony Publicity Group. Some ponies may be humanely destroyed.
For livestock matters, contact the Verderers; for all other matters contact Forestry England.
Ponies, cattle, donkeys, pigs, or sheep should be reported to the Verderers’ Office. Wildlife, including deer, is the responsibility of Forestry England.
No; the Verderers strongly discourage the public attending a pony round-up, for their own safety.
Only on approved cycle routes – see the Forestry Englands’s leaflet on the Forest Cycling Code.
