The Aims of the New Forest Commoners Defence Association are set out in its rule book

The Aims of the Association are set out in its rule book as follows:

To promote and safeguard the interests of the Commoners, particularly with regard to the welfare of ponies, cattle and other agisted stock.
To co-operate with the Verderers in the maintenance of the perimeter fencing of the perambulation of the Forest.
To investigate and, in appropriate cases, to support any claim by any member of the Association for compensation in respect of the death or injury of an animal depastured in the Forest and to assist any member in meeting a claim in respect of damage alleged to have been caused by an animal depastured in the Forest.