New Forest
Commons rights used to be attached to particular plots of land or to particular hearths. Grazing of commoners' ponies and cattle is an essential part of the management of the gorest and helps to keep the heathland, bog, grassland and wood-pasture habitats and their wildlife in good shape. The ancient practice came under pressure, as the rising house prices in the area stopped local commoning families from moving into new homes, which have the rights attached. That meant that the next generation could not become commoners until their parents passed on the house and rights.