Commoners receive payments for turning out livestock through the Verderers Grazing Scheme

A FUNDING scheme run by the verderers that pays commoners for turning out their animals will not be supported by the National Trust this year.

For the last 14 years the verderers have been part of a Higher Level Stewardship Scheme which recognises the role that commoning has in shaping and maintaining the New Forest.

Every year a pot of money is set aside for commoners’ payments under the Verderers Grazing Scheme, with the number of animals entered into the scheme affecting the figure that is paid for each animal.

In the past commoners turning out their livestock on the New Forest Commons, which are owned and managed by the National Trust, also received a payment. However, this year it has been revealed this financial support will not continue.

Speaking at a Verderers’ Court meeting, the Official Verderer Edward Heron revealed: “For the last two years the National Trust has sourced their contribution from their reserves and not from any active Agricultural Environmental funding scheme. They are, however, currently not in a position to continue that funding for the 2025 Verderers Grazing Scheme.”

Mr Heron continued: “They are conscious that the VGS does continue to serve as a support for those who are able to continue grazing the commons and they are keen to support the scheme in the future when funding allows.”