Page 30 • The HERALD • 27th August 2026 v THE HERALD - YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE v Call Richard on 07554 421544 or 023 8178 8299 PEST CONTROL All aspects of control and treatment undertaken including: Rodents, Insects, Moles, Wasps, Birds and Property Proofing Licensed waste removal of all types of waste Local Friendly Family Run Business • Fully Trained & Insured SOLENT SKIP HIRE LTD FOR ALL YOUR COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC WASTE MINI ~ MIDI ~ MAXI SKIPS ALSO CUBIC YARD BAGS OWN BAG COLLECTION AVAILABLE 023 8066 0123 01590 619700 • 01962 588288 Email: office@solentskiphire.co.uk 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 29th July, with individual trophies presented by Stephen Morgan, Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State for DEFRA. ere 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 Elycia Farnish from Fordingbridge won Young Farmer for her dedication to New Forest commoning, the environment and supporting her local community. An active and passionate Commoner, Elycia turns out ponies, donkeys and cattle on the Open Forest and is always willing to help others in the commoning community. She has a remarkable awareness of Forest wildlife as well as knowledge of the key environmental issues facing the Forest. Elycia Farnish comments: “I do what I do because I enjoy it, and I take great pride in my animals and the work I do. To be recognised for that for the Young Farmer Award is absolutely amazing. I’m really shocked and incredibly grateful to whoever nominated me.” Best Supporter of Local Produce went to e Farmers Butcher in Bramshaw, for its commitment to local produce, working with other independent local businesses at events and championing highquality local food while actively supporting the wider farming community. e family-run business, led by Mike and Sarah Alexander, sources its beef, lamb and pork from farms within the New Forest and surrounding area. e Farmers Butcher comment: “We’re so proud to receive this award. Championing local produce isn’t just part of our business; it’s what we’re passionate about every single day, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who supports us and our local producers.” Hockey’s Farm Shop in Fordingbridge was crowned Sustainability Champion for placing sustainability at the heart of a business, with its commitment including reducing consumption, harvesting rainwater, treating its own wastewater, and reducing waste and reusing it to create biofuel. By investing in the future while continually improving its environmental performance, Hockey’s, under the stewardship of Jonny Burrell and his wife Laura Stainton-Burrell, has become a fantastic example of sustainable business in the New Forest. Hockey’s Farm Shop comment: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been named Sustainability Champion and are incredibly honoured. This award recognises that our commitment to ethical farming and environmental stewardship is hitting the mark and validates the hard work our team puts in every day to go beyond standard practices.” This year’s Young Environmental Champion was 19-year-old Gemma Hobbs from Boldre for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to protecting the New Forest and supporting its commoning heritage. e judges praised Gemma’s passion for conservation, her commoning background and the way she inspires other young people to value the Forest’s unique landscape and wildlife in a variety of ways like Beaulieu Young Farmers, the Young Commoners or the NPA’s Young Content Creators scheme. Gemma Hobbs comments: “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have been selected as this year’s Young Environmental Champion. I’d like to thank everyone involved in the process – it means a great deal to me.” Richard Chanell from Exbury was given the Farming and Nature Champion award for his dedication to nature conservation, sustainable farming and sharing his knowledge with others. Richard has worked at Newtown Park Estate near Lymington for almost 30 years, rst as a contractor before becoming Estate Manager in 2008. Under his stewardship, the estate has seen signi cant improvements for wildlife, soil health and habitat creation, leaving the land in a far better condition than when he rst arrived. e judges particularly praised the lasting legacy he has created through hedge-lined wild ower meadows, new woodlands and nesting habitat for birds. Richard Chanell comments: “I’m absolutely delighted and honoured to receive this recognition as Farming and Nature Champion.” Commoning Champion went to Richard Deakin from Langley, one of the Verderers of the New Forest, for his contribution to protecting and promoting the interests of commoning and Commoners. Over many decades, Richard has served the commoning community with dedication across a wide range of organisations and roles. As a founder member of the New Forest Livestock Continued on page 31
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