Tender Opportunity: Resilient Commoning in the New Forest

Written By Catherine Stephenson

Invitation to Tender

From:  Foundation for Common Land

For: Resilient Commoning in the New Forest

Contact: Laura Gray, Operations Director, laura@foundationforcommonland.org.uk 

Deadline: 2nd October 2026

The Foundation for Common Land (FCL) are seeking a proactive and experienced consultant to coordinate and manage day-to-day delivery of a dynamic programme of work focused on the commons of the New Forest National Park.

The New Forest is a unique and special landscape.  

The mix of ancient woodlands, wetlands and mires, and open heathlands means it is one of Europe’s most important landscapes for nature and conservation. It has the highest possible conservation status and is legally protected. It is a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area (SPA) for Birds, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and a Ramsar site (land listed as a Wetland of International Importance).  These designated areas make up 56% of the New Forest National Park.

The Verderers, NFCDA (Commoners Defence Association) and NFNPA (National Park Authority) recognise the need to have independent facilitation of commoning and governance related activity to support transition from HLS and have engaged Foundation for Common Land to undertake this role.

It is proposed that the FCL commission, oversee and support a consultant to deliver this programme of work alongside the input and support of the funding partners.  The appointed consultant will work on behalf of FCL as the New Forest Facilitator and will work to sustain and deepen engagement with commoners, landowners, and agents across the region. Building on previous work and managing key contractor relationships, ensuring effective delivery of research and evaluation components and preparing for a possible Environmental Land Management scheme for the New Forest.

Proposed primary outcomes:

  • Principle Outcome: Support partners to facilitate preparation of applications for Environmental Land Management schemes as opportunities arise including engaging commoners e.g. in securing Expressions of Interest.

  • Facilitate creation of a Grazing Management Plan as detailed in the PA2 study

  • Support the development of a Governance system suitable for ELM delivery

  • Support the CDA to improve the structure and governance of the association in preparation for future funding opportunities including ELM

  • Facilitate ongoing engagement and strengthen collaboration between all stakeholders and partners across the New Forest common land, building on the foundation of the previous PA2 study and Lowland Common Test and Trial.

  • Apply for additional funding to deliver trials and research projects as necessary.

Find the full Invitation to Tender here.

Catherine Stephenson