Sue Cole
Commoner and New Forest Marque Member
‘The Gotland sheep are triple purpose – meat, skins and wool – and I can use everything. They’re not the easiest breed to keep, but they’re one of the most rewarding. There’s so much you can use from them, and they’re very friendly and fun.
‘I’ve been a member of the New Forest Marque since almost the very beginning, and I’ve seen the fortunes of the Marque decline and rise again. The New Forest is an extraordinary place and we’re so lucky to live here. As members, we’re trying to re-localise production generally, and it’s important to remember the Marque covers the greater district council area as well as the Forest itself.”
‘It’s absolutely vital to keep the ground in beautiful condition. I’m very environmentally aware and it’s important for me to be adding carbon and organic matter back into the soil in a responsible way. I don’t think there’s such thing as ownership of land, we are stewards, and we should always aim to hand it back in a better condition than we found it.
“We’re living in a world which is rapidly heating. We’re tiny cogs but we’re all part of the wheel, so by purchasing food and other goods that are produced locally, we can all help to positively impact the economy and the environment.’
