New Forest Awards 2025: Could you be this year’s Commoning Champion?

Do you know someone who makes an exceptional contribution to New Forest commoning? Then now is the time to get them recognised as part of the New Forest National Park Awards.

The annual awards, which is in its 12th year and run by the New Forest National Park Authority and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), recognise outstanding contributions to the environment, rural economy and local communities in and around the National Park.

This year, as the New Forest National Park marks its 20th anniversary, a new award – Commoning Champion – has been introduced to recognise individuals playing a vital role in sustaining the unique practice which helps maintain the Forest’s landscape and biodiversity.

To be nominated for the Commoning Champion category, the following criteria must be met:

• Demonstrates sustainability and regenerative farming in the context of the New Forest as well as responsibility for, respect and care of the New Forest landscape
• Demonstrates support for the commoning community – for example as member of the CDA and/or the New Forest Marque, attending the Verderers Court, supporting/attending drifts
• Demonstrates a commitment to public education
• Has a strong commitment to high welfare standards and practices, overall condition of cattle and ponies
• Has a management plan for the holding and improvement of livestock
• Contributes to the management of the interaction between visitors and his / her stock
• Demonstrates an understanding of the history of commoning and the Forest and the role of the different organisations in managing the New Forest landscape

Individuals can nominate themselves or be nominated by others. All nominees must live, work or operate within the New Forest Awards area.

The other categories are Sustainability Champion, Young Farmer (aged 35 and under), Best Supporter of Local Produce, Young Environmental Champion (aged 25 and under) and Farming and Nature Champion.

Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony and drinks reception at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show on Wednesday, 30 July. The event is supported by Moore Barlow and the New Forest Agricultural Show Society.

Nominations close on Sunday, 8 June. Full criteria and nomination forms are available at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/newforestawards