New Forest champions crowned in 2026 awards

Some of the very best from the New Forest community have been recognised in the 2026 New Forest Awards.

Now in their 13th year, the awards - run by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) and Country Land and Business Association (CLA) - celebrate the wonderful people who work year-round to support the New Forest’s environment and rural economy.

The winners and highly recommended were recognised at a special ceremony at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show at New Park, Brockenhurst, on Wednesday, 29 July, with individual trophies presented by Stephen Morgan, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defra.

There were six categories, highlighting those involved in a variety of areas including farming, sustainability and commoning.

Winners of the 2026 awards – supported by Moore Barlow and the New Forest Agricultural Show Society – were:

• Young Farmer: Elycia Farnish
• Best Supporter of Local Produce: The Farmers Butcher
• Sustainability Champion: Hockey’s Farm Shop
• Young Environmental Champion: Gemma Hobbs
• Farming and Nature Champion: Richard Chanell
• Commoning Champion: Richard Deakin.

Tim Bamford, Regional Director of CLA South East, said: ‘The New Forest is home to an extraordinary range of people, businesses and organisations whose dedication helps keep this special place thriving.

‘The CLA is proud to support the New Forest Awards and celebrate those who make such a positive contribution to the landscape, rural economy and local communities.

‘This year’s nominations showed an impressive breadth of talent, innovation and commitment, making the judges’ task no easy one. Many congratulations to all of the winners and those who were highly commended by the judges, and thank you to everyone who took the time to enter or nominate someone deserving of recognition.

‘We would also like to thank our event partners, Moore Barlow, for their continued support of these awards.’

Alison Barnes, CEO of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘The New Forest Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the people, businesses and organisations whose dedication helps make this National Park such a special place.

'Protecting and enhancing the New Forest takes the efforts of an entire Team New Forest, from Commoners and farmers to conservationists, volunteers, community groups and local businesses. The quality of nominations this year was exceptional, and our winners represent some of the very best examples of commitment, innovation and care for the Forest.

'Congratulations to all of our winners and highly commended recipients and thank you to everyone who works so hard to support the future of the New Forest.'

This year’s highly commended were:

• Young Farmer: Lewis Potter
• Best Supporter of Local Produce: Hockey's Farm Shop
• Sustainability Champion: Pondhead Conservation Trust
• Commoning Champion: Gilly Jones.