New Forest champions crowned at 2025 awards

The CLA and New Forest National Park Authority have announced the winners of the 2025 New Forest awards.

Now in their 12th year, the awards celebrate the wonderful people who work year-round to support the New Forest’s environment and rural economy.

The winners were recognised at a special ceremony at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show, with individual trophies presented by New Forest Agricultural Show Society President 2025 Lord Willie Manners.

To mark the New Forest National Park’s 20th anniversary, a new award – Commoning Champion – was introduced this year to recognise individuals who play a crucial role in preserving this traditional practice which is key to maintaining the forest’s landscape and biodiversity.

Winners of the 2025 awards – supported by Moore Barlow and the New Forest Agricultural Show Society – were:

• Young Farmer: Lewis Potter from Calmore
• Best Supporter of Local Produce: Sway Butchers
• Sustainability Champion: Ringwood Repair Café
• Young Environmental Champion: Rhys Leighton from West Wellow
• Farming and Nature Champion: Ben Dolbear from Beaulieu
• Commoning Champion: Andrew Parry-Norton from Cadnam.

Tim Bamford, Regional Director of CLA South East, said ‘For a relatively small area, the people and businesses in the New Forest certainly pack a punch. The CLA congratulates all the deserving winners who make such a valuable contribution to the Forest and its economy.

‘We would like to thank everyone who took the time to enter, as well as our event partners Moore Barlow for their continued support.’

Alison Barnes, CEO of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘As we mark the 20th anniversary of the designation of the New Forest as a National Park, we’re proud to recognise the dedicated people who shape and support this extraordinary place – and will continue to do so into the future.

‘It takes not just one person or organisation, but a whole “Team New Forest” to ensure the long-term survival of the National Park. The standard of nominees this year was particularly impressive, so our winners really are best in class.’

Lewis Potter won the Young Farmer award for his outstanding dedication to farming at just 16 years old. Alongside volunteering daily at Storms Farm, he’s vice chair of the Brockenhurst Young Farmers Club. He recently fully restored his own 1947 Ferguson tractor, which he proudly takes to rallies and shows, and even drove to his prom. Judges described him as ‘a truly inspiring young role model whose breadth of commitment and maturity far exceed expectations for his age’.

Family-run Sway Butchers received the Best Supporter of Local Produce award for its growing commitment to sourcing high-quality local meat from small, non-intensive farms that prioritise animal welfare and environmental stewardship. It actively promotes the quality and local origins of its products, helping to establish Sway as a go-to destination for New Forest fare. The award also recognises Sway Butchers’ efforts in championing the benefits of eating locally-sourced New Forest wild venison.

Ringwood Repair Café was crowned Sustainability Champion for its outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability, significant reduction of waste, and the vibrant community spirit it fosters. Launched only last year, it has quickly become invaluable to the local community, with local volunteers generously sharing their diverse skills and time. The free monthly repair cafe not only saves residents money but has also prevented nearly 600kg of waste from ending up in landfill. It has also established a sustainable model to ensure its continued success.

25-year-old Rhys Leighton won this year’s Young Environmental Champion award. A passionate environmentalist, he volunteers with organisations including the Wildlife Trusts, CPRE, the RSPB, and the New Forest Green Hoverfly Group. Professionally, he works as an assistant ecologist and has contributed to conservation projects for the Forestry Commission and the RSPB. A certified marine mammal medic and trained wildlife tracker, he’s also an engaging public speaker. His Instagram page @rhystouringnature, connects people with nature through wildlife photography, environmental education and positive action.

Ben Dolbear was named Farming and Nature Champion in recognition of his deep commitment to sustainable agriculture and conservation. As Director of Bright Seeds, Ben advises farmers and landowners on the best conservation and pollinator-friendly seed mixes, while also running his own farm. A recent carbon audit has helped him identify key areas to focus on in his sustainability journey, while continuing to create, maintain and improve wildlife corridors across the holding. Passionate about bridging the gap between farming and the wider public, he educates and inspires non-farming audiences wherever possible.

New for 2025, the Commoning Champion award was presented to Andrew Parry-Norton whose deep-rooted passion and commitment to the traditions of the New Forest and commoning shine through. He’s chair of the New Forest Commoners Defence Association, acting chair of the Forest Farming Group, and is a director of both New Forest Marque and Go New Forest. Andrew is generous with his time and knowledge, supporting fellow commoners as well as engaging with local schools, young farmers and various community groups. He works tirelessly raising awareness of the value of commoning and safeguarding its future in the Forest.

This year’s highly commended were:

• Young Farmer: Gemma Hobbs from Boldre. Chair of Beaulieu Young Farmers Club, Gemma has multiple county and national recognitions, is an active commoner, and promotes public understanding of the Forest and its traditions.
• Best Supporter of Local Produce: New Forest Hamper Company which only uses local produce in its range of hampers which are distributed nationwide.
• Sustainability Champion: Lucy Bramley from Burley for her dedication to involvement and leadership of groups and organisations across the New Forest in the name of environmental sustainability.
• Young Environmental Champion: Kamron Flaxman who helps at Hoburne Bashley, teaching children and young people woodland management, tool handling, and woodcraft.
• Farming and Nature Champion: Matt Phillips, a warden at Beaulieu Estate who leads annual Conservation Awareness Days and supports other farmers in projects ranging from soil testing to barn owl boxes.
• Commoning Champion: Clive Maton, a third generation commoner, still farming in his 80s. Through many roles in the Forest he’s spent a lifetime as a tireless advocate for farmers and commoners.