Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The aim of this survey was to investigate the socio-economics of commoning in the New Forest.

Main Topics:

Variables Tenure, relationship to previous holder of common rights, size of herd, use of common rights, acreage, age, family structure, age began commoning, area where brought up, educational background, reasons for beginning commoning, employment, family labour on holdings, hired labour, income from agriculture. Attitudes to changes and forest management. Reasons for giving up (those who had ceased commoning since 1975).

All commoners, plus a random selection of practicing and non-practicing commoners for interview

Face-to-face interview

Self-completion