New Forest Commoners recognised in 2026 New Forest Awards

Members of the New Forest commoning community were among those honoured at the 2026 New Forest Awards, celebrating the people whose dedication helps protect the unique landscape, traditions and rural economy of the New Forest.

Now in their 13th year, the awards are organised by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA). Winners and highly commended nominees were recognised at a special ceremony during the New Forest and Hampshire County Show at New Park, Brockenhurst, on Wednesday, 29 July.

This year’s awards saw outstanding recognition for the commoning community.

The Commoning Champion award was presented to Richard Deakin in recognition of his lifelong contribution to protecting and promoting the interests of commoning and Commoners.

Over many decades, Richard has served the commoning community in a wide range of roles. As a founder member of the New Forest Livestock Society, treasurer of the New Forest CDA and a long-serving Verderer, his dedication has helped shape and strengthen commoning for future generations.

Richard said: ‘Winning the Commoning Champion Award means a great deal to me. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the time and effort I’ve put in has been recognised, and that it’s helping, in some small way, to support the future of both commoning and the New Forest. That kind of encouragement gives you the motivation to keep going.’

The commoning community was also recognised through Gilly Jones, who was highly commended in the Commoning Champion category.

The judges noted that she consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty, making an invaluable contribution through both her professional roles and her wider support for Commoners in the New Forest.

Elycia Farnish, from Fordingbridge, was named Young Farmer in recognition of 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 support fellow Commoners. She was praised for her knowledge of Forest wildlife and the environmental challenges facing the New Forest.

Speaking after receiving her award, Elycia said: ‘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 with the Young Farmer Award is absolutely amazing. I’m really shocked and incredibly grateful to whoever nominated me.’

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.

The 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.