‘If you want to save the New Forest, you have to save the commoners’
Gemma Hobbs, 16, Carries on the Legacy
Gemma Hobbs, 16, has taken on the responsibility of directing ponies, becoming the third generation in her family to do so. From a young age, Gemma has been involved in guiding ponies around the New Forest, starting with riding on her grandfather’s shoulders. Her dedication led her to start saving at nine years old, eventually purchasing her first pony at the age of 11.
Preserving a Tradition Dating Back to Before the Norman Conquest
New Forest commoners play a vital role in maintaining the landscape and rare wildlife of the New Forest National Park. This tradition dates back to before the Norman Conquest in 1066 when commoners grazed their animals on the open forest. Their livestock, including ponies, cattle, and donkeys, contribute to the preservation of the forest by consuming gorse, grass, and other vegetation.
Threats to a Way of Life
Despite their crucial role in preserving the forest, commoners face threats to their way of life. Rising house prices and rents, along with an influx of second homeowners, jeopardize the existence of commoning. Commoners, whose rights are tied to property and land, find it increasingly difficult to afford to live in the area where they have resided for centuries.
An Age-Old Battle for Survival
The struggle to preserve commoning is not new. The Commoners Defence Association (CDA), established in 1909, was formed to protect commoners’ rights in the face of encroaching development. Today, commoners like Gemma Hobbs face challenges from wealthy individuals purchasing land without any intention of participating in commoning practices.
A Tradition Under Siege
Dr. Gale Pettifer, inadvertently becoming a commoner herself, recognizes the threats facing commoning. As property prices soar, genuine commoners struggle to compete in the housing market. The erosion of commoning rights poses a significant risk to the conservation of the New Forest, highlighting the urgent need to protect commoners’ way of life.
The Path Forward
Despite the challenges, commoners remain resilient, determined to preserve their way of life. However, financial support and recognition from the government are essential to ensure the survival of commoning. As the New Forest faces threats from all sides, the future of commoning hangs in the balance, requiring collective action to safeguard this age-old tradition.
