Shopping sustainably in the National Park
The Forest communities are well served with all kinds of retail outlets ranging from large supermarkets to farm shops and small community stores. Reducing plastic bag usage is encouraged and some villages promote their own eco-bag schemes.
Look out for the New Forest Marque that is awarded to quality produce which has been grown, reared, caught, brewed or produced within the New Forest. Many shops, pubs and catering establishments now stock produce carrying the Marque. Alternatively you can buy direct from the producers at one of the local farmers' markets.
The New Forest Marque and New Forest Farmer and Producer markets have been developed through Forest Friendly Farming, which was set up in 2001 to develop practical ways of supporting farming, commoning and woodland management in the New Forest. The project is co-ordinated by the New Forest National Park Authority.
