Hockey's Named as Sustainability Champion
Now in their 10th year, the New Forest Awards are run by the New Forest National Park Aurthority and the CLA and celebrate young environmental champions, diversified rural businesses, farming and nature champions, local produce champions, young farmers and commoners, and sustainability champions who support the New Forest’s landscape and economy. The winners were recognised at a special ceremony at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show, with individual trophies presented by Show Patron Lady Mary Fagan.
The winners of the 2023 awards include Hampshire Fare member Hockey’s Farm Shop, South Gorley, who were named Sustainability Champion.
Hockey’s Farm Shop has long been recognised as champions of local produce, however owners Jonathan and Laura Stainton-Burrell have also demonstrated their commitment to sustainability. This has included investing in solar panels which generate about half of their energy consumption, a 60,000 litre rainwater harvesting system and installing a water treatment plant to replace a septic tank. Such measures, coupled with extensive hedge planting on the farm, make Hockey’s a great example of how a small businesses can contribute to environmental sustainability.
Jonathan Stainton-Burrell of Hockey’s Farm Shop said: ‘This award means a great deal to us as a small business in the New Forest. Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at Hockey’s Farm Shop with everyone here buying into that making our achievements a genuine team effort.’
Tim Bamford, Regional Director of CLA South East said: ‘‘The CLA along with the New Forest National Park Authority is proud to support the awards once again this year, as they highlight the hugely important role played by farmers and other rural businesses in managing the landscape and helping our communities prosper.
This year’s Highly Commended also included another Hampshire Fare member, New Forest Fruit Company, who were commended for ‘leading the charge in innovation and sustainability.’