New Official Verderer to be recruited as Lord Manners steps down

LORD Manners will step down as the Official Verderer next April after serving for six years in the role.

The unpaid job, which demands a minimum commitment of 40 hours per month, involves steering the verderers and their work, including chairing monthly meetings of the court and representing the body.

Lord Manners was appointed by the Queen in March 2017 after being selected by a panel comprising former Commoners Defence Association chair Graham Ferris, the then national park authority chair Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre – himself a former Official Verderer, and two Forestry Commission officials.

News that Lord Manners would not seek re-election for a third term in office was made public following a meeting of the Verderers’ Court in July, when members unanimously expressed their disappointment.

A list of qualities and skills required for the role of Official Verderer was published by the organisation prior to Lord Manner’s appointment in 2017.

These included a good understanding of the New Forest, the countryside, communing and associated issues; the ability to think clearly and plan ahead; a high level ability to gain support and influence and show political acumen; the motivation to improve the Forest, and experience in leading projects within time and financial constraints.

The role is unpaid and the new appointee will not receive remuneration or expenses.