Commoners Defence Association chair Andrew Parry-Norton urges survey participation

COMMONERS are being urged to “stand up and be counted” in a consultation which could help determine how future agricultural subsidies are delivered in the New Forest.

The online survey, which will run until 30th September has been commissioned by the Forest Farming Group, with the aim of developing a clearer picture of how commoners currently operate in the New Forest and how subsidies can help to maintain the historical pastime into the future.

As reported, the Commoners Defence Association has previously warned that the landscape of the New Forest could be irreversibly changed without clear government guidance on how new subsidies will replace an existing funding system set to be phased out by 2027.

Currently, commoners who turn cattle and ponies out onto the Forest receive a subsidy payment under the Basic Payment Scheme. But, following the UK’s departure from Europe, this type of funding is set to be phased out by 2027, with a 15-20% reduction in payments each year.

A new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS), which pays commoners according to the environmental benefits they deliver, is currently being developed by Defra, but confusion continues about how it will be implemented in the New Forest.

CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton said: “I would urge all New Forest commoners to stand up and be counted. This consultation is a real chance for us to have a say in our own future.”

“Commoning has to be profitable and viable otherwise there is no future. Commoners at all levels needs to take this opportunity now to speak up. There are no right or wrong answers. Whatever commoners need for the future, now is the time to speak up.”

The Forest Farming Group has a membership which includes representatives from the verderers, the Commoners Defence Association, the national park authority, Natural England and the National Farmers Union.

In late August the consultation process was launched with a small workshop with commoning representatives, followed by a meeting last Monday evening at Lyndhurst Community Centre which was open to all active commoners and those with commoners’ rights.

Mr Parry-Norton revealed that this meeting was attended by around 120 active commoners, none of whom put their hands up when asked if the current subsidy scheme was working for them.

He added: “That was pretty sobering to see – so now is the time to shape our future.”

Commoners are now urged to fill in the anonymous survey to help shape Defra’a emerging New Forest subsidy scheme.

It is open to all active commoners and those who own or rent New Forest properties with commoning rights, but are not practising. It runs until midnight on 30th September and should take around 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

To take part in the survey visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KQX8TPW