New Forest Businesses Owned by Commoners

The New Forest is a living, working landscape shaped by generations of people who have cared for its land, animals, and traditions. Among them are the commoners - local people who have inherited or been granted ancient rights to graze their livestock on the open forest due to their home having access to these rights. This centuries-old practice not only preserves the natural balance of the New Forest but also fosters a deep-rooted connection between people, place, and community.

Many commoners run businesses alongside their traditional roles, offering everything from artisanal food and drink to handcrafted goods, accommodation, and unique outdoor experiences. By supporting these businesses, you’re not only discovering high-quality, locally made products and experiences but also helping to sustain the heritage, economy, and ecology of the New Forest.

What makes Commoning so special?

The Commoners have been in the New Forest for longer than the Māori have been in New Zealand, for longer than the Inuit have been in North America, and for longer than Irish Travellers have existed. Today, they have organically retained many of the same customs, dialect words, concerns and practices as their ancestors did over a thousand years ago. In this regard, there really is no line between People and Place here – without the New Forest, the Commoners would not exist; without the Commoners, the Forest could not exist.

It is this unique community, this English tribe, who have twined with and nurtured the folk culture of the Forest over the centuries, just as they have the Forest itself. Where industrialisation and mass communication have overwhelmed and obliterated the hyper-local elsewhere, in the safe haven of the New Forest, these age-old ways of knowing survived, and remain as strong, vibrant and rooted today as they ever have.

Commoning dates back over 900 years to when the New Forest was a royal hunting ground. Today, commoners continue to graze their ponies, cattle, pigs, and sheep, playing a vital role in shaping and maintaining this unique landscape. Many commoning families have lived here for generations, passing down their deep knowledge of the land and its traditions.

Running a local business alongside commoning allows many families to keep this way of life alive. Whether it’s making high-quality local produce, offering guided experiences, or crafting handmade goods inspired by the landscape, these businesses are woven into the fabric of the New Forest.

Explore and support these incredible businesses, and become part of the New Forest’s living story.

Want to find out more?

Intrigued to find out more about this ancient land management practice? Head to the Real New Forest website or visit the Verderers Court, the 3^rd Wednesday of every month. 

3 reasons to support these businesses

• The forest wins too
  Every time you choose a local business; you’re helping the New Forest community thrive. Whether it’s a family-run restaurant, an independent shop, an activity provider, or a place to stay, your support keeps money circulating in the local economy. It helps sustain jobs, nurture small businesses, and strengthen the network of local suppliers - from growers and makers to tradespeople and creatives - all contributing to a vibrant, resilient Forest.

• Local expertise at your fingertips
  Our trusted local businesses offer insider knowledge and personalised recommendations to help you make the most of your time in the New Forest. From scenic trails and cosy cafés to hidden gems and unforgettable experiences, local know-how makes all the difference.

• Supporting the Commoners 
  By choosing to support commoner-owned businesses, you’re not only enjoying unique, high-quality products and experiences, but you’re also helping to safeguard the traditions and natural beauty that make the New Forest so special.