A Hampshire man honoured by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) for his outstanding commitment to the New Forest plans to use the recognition to help ensure the next generation of Commoners has the support and knowledge to continue the work.
Richard Deakin, who has spent a lifetime immersed in the traditions, landscapes and communities of the National Park, is still celebrating his Commoning Champion accolade from this year’s New Forest National Park Awards, recognising someone whose dedication has helped safeguard one of the Forest’s most distinctive and important traditions.
Now in their 13th year, the annual awards, run by the NPA and Country Land and Business Association (CLA), celebrate the people whose dedication helps keep the New Forest thriving, from conservationists and businesses to Commoners, volunteers and young people making a difference.
Richard, from Langley, who is one of the Verderers of the New Forest, said: ‘I’m really honoured to receive this award. You don’t do this sort of work for recognition, but it’s wonderful to know that people value what you’re doing. If it’s helping to secure the future of commoning and the New Forest, then that’s incredibly rewarding, and it certainly gives me the encouragement to keep going.’
‘There were several Commoners on my mother’s side of the family, all living locally. Over the years I came to appreciate the special qualities of the Forest, and the important role that the Commoners and their animals play in maintaining those qualities.’
The appreciation soon became a personal commitment as Richard stepped into the commoning way of life and the responsibilities that come with it.
‘I became a committed Commoner and over time felt an obligation to assist in any way possible to keep commoning viable into the long-term future, which would help secure the future of the Forest as well,’ he adds.
Richard has taken on a number of important roles, serving as a committee member and treasurer of the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association, a director of the New Forest Livestock Society and an Elected Verderer.
Together, those roles have allowed him to support Commoners, help shape the future of commoning and contribute to the long-term stewardship of the New Forest.
Richard said: ‘Because of my long experience, I feel that I am suited to contribute and assist younger people to quickly develop into the roles which I have been fortunate to hold.
His dedication reflects the spirit of the New Forest Awards, recognising the people whose passion, knowledge and commitment help ensure the National Park’s unique way of life continues to flourish for generations to come.
ENDS