If the presentment relates to a contentious matter the Verderers will not normally consider it at the time but only after the subsequent Open Court in order that counter-presentments on the subject may be heard.  Open Courts generally last about three-quarters of an hour.

Paul Hibbard making a presentment
As viewed from the Verderers’ benches

Based on leaflets provided by the Verderers and Queen’s House.                                             Ed

SEEDS OF CHANGE
Wildflowers will once again be blooming among the grasses as they did some 500 years ago at the Bolderwood deer lawn in the New Forest.

In February Forestry Commission keeper Andy Shore organised the re-seeding of the 2.5 acre site with grass and now wildflowers have been sown.  Mr Shore said the seed was from traditional acid loving woodland plants like tormentil, milkwort, herb robert, bedstraw and violets.

Given time, the plants would have re-colonised by themselves, but sowing the seed will give nature a helping hand.  The remains of the mainly ash perimeter hedge on top of its earth bank will also be restored through layering, where possible, though Mr Shore said that the trees were fairly mature and it would not be an easy job.  More hedging, probably beech, hazel and holly, will be planted and the whole area protected by stockproof fencing.
Based on an article from the Daily Echo

Editor’s note: I spoke to Andy Page (Head Keeper for northern area), as I was concerned that it may interfere with the deer-feeding programme at Bolderwood.  Mr Page assured me there was no intention of stopping the feeding programme and that the fencing in that area would be designed to let deer through.                                                  Charles