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Entrance of Hockey's Farmyard Cafe with open doors, people inside, and flower and herb plants for sale outside under blue sky

Sustainability Champion – Hockey’s Farm Shop

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Hockey’s Farm Shop is a family-run destination based in South Gorley, deep in the heart of the New Forest.

Meet Jonny and Laura Burrell behind Hockey’s Farm Shop 

‘What began as a small farm shop has evolved into a vibrant community hub featuring a traditional butchery, Farmyard Café, and the Vinery gift shop, all while maintaining our roots as a working farm.

‘We are proud to support local producers and provide a welcoming space for both residents and visitors to connect with the landscape and local food.’

How do you feel winning the New Forest Sustainability Champion award? What does this recognise? 

‘We are absolutely thrilled to have been named Sustainability Champion for 2026 – we 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.

‘We hope this recognition inspires other local businesses to see that sustainable growth is not only achievable, but essential to the longevity of our vibrant New Forest economy.’

Why do you feel sustainability is important and how does it shape Hockey’s Farm Shop? 

‘For us, sustainability isn’t about trends or buzzwords; it’s rooted in responsibility.

‘We are custodians of a special piece of the New Forest and our operational decisions are guided by a duty to protect the land, wildlife, and future generations.

‘Sustainability shapes everything we do – from our investment in 200 solar panels and on-site EV charging, to extensive rainwater harvesting and our commitment to zero-waste practices like anaerobic digestion.

‘It ensures our business remains resilient against energy volatility, while working with our surroundings.’

New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) member judging the Sustainability Champion award, James Wylor-Owen, said:

‘For me, one nominee stood out as truly exemplary of a Sustainability Champion. Laura and Jonny have clearly put sustainability at the heart of their way of working at Hockey’s Farm Shop, showing just how much can be achieved when sustainability is seen as a responsibility and not a marketing point on a product label.

‘Under their leadership, Hockey’s is not only capitalising on renewable energy, but providing access to patrons and consciously reducing their consumption; not only capturing rainwater but treating their own sewage, and not only reducing waste, but reusing it as biofuels.

‘Hockey’s is showcasing what can be achieved by focusing on and investing in the future, and quite simply championing sustainability.’