History of the Agisters and the Commoning System

Wednesday 24 June, 7.30pm

St Barbe Heritage Talk, Sway Village Hall | Doors 7pm | Tickets £6

Step into the living history of the New Forest with an evening that brings its people, traditions and landscapes vividly to life.

Discover the remarkable story of the New Forest from someone who has lived and breathed it his entire life. This engaging heritage talk invites you to explore the centuries‑old system that has shaped one of Britain’s most treasured landscapes.

Jonathan Gerrelli – Head Agister, lifelong commoner and guardian of the Forest’s animals – will guide you through:

• The Verderers and Agisters – their origins, traditions, and how their roles have evolved
• The Commoning System – the unique Rights that allow commoners to graze animals freely
• Forest Management Today – how Agisters work alongside the NPA and Forestry England
• The Animals of the Forest – why commoners’ livestock is essential to maintaining this rare and beautiful habitat

Jonathan’s deep roots in the Forest make this talk especially compelling. Born and raised here, educated in Pilley and Lymington and later Brockenhurst College, he has spent his entire life working among the trees, heathland and livestock that define the New Forest. After early years with the Forestry Commission and local forestry work, he became an Agister in 1991 and has served as Head Agister since 2003. He continues his family’s commoning tradition with his own herd of registered New Forest ponies.

This is a rare chance to hear first‑hand stories, insights, and knowledge from someone who has dedicated decades to protecting the Forest and its way of life.