The New Forest National Park Authority and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) have launched their annual awards for 2026.
The awards celebrate the outstanding individuals and organisations making a true difference day in, day out across the Forest.
The New Forest National Park Awards are in their 13th year and recognise incredible contributions to the environment, rural economy and local communities in and around the National Park.
The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony and drinks reception at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show on Wednesday, 29 July at New Park in Brockenhurst.
The event is supported by Moore Barlow and the New Forest Agricultural Show Society.
Nominations are open for the following categories:
- Sustainability Champion
- Young Farmer (aged 35 and under)
- Best Supporter of Local Produce
- Young Environmental Champion (aged 25 and under)
- Farming and Nature Champion
- Commoning Champion.
Individuals, businesses and organisations can nominate themselves or be nominated by others. All nominees must live, work or operate within the New Forest Awards area.
Nominations must be submitted by the end of Sunday 31 May.
Full criteria and application forms are available at New Forest National Park Awards
Alison Barnes, Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘This is a valuable opportunity to recognise the people whose dedication helps shape and sustain this extraordinary place.
‘We are proud to host these awards, which celebrate those who consistently go above and beyond for the New Forest, its unique landscape, its rural communities and its future.’
Tim Bamford, Regional Director of CLA South East said: ‘The New Forest is unique, and these well-established awards champion the very best across our rural community and economy.
‘The CLA is proud to once again be honouring those who go above and beyond, and we look forward to celebrating with the winners at the show in July.’
Nominate at New Forest National Park Awards
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Pictured above: The 2025 New Forest Awards winners at the New Forest Show.
About the CLA South East
The CLA South East has around 5,000 members across Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
As a membership organisation, the CLA supports landowners by advising them on how best to protect and maximise their asset: the land. We are dedicated to supporting landowners and their businesses. Our success is measured by how effectively we do that. We have a team of experts in London and professional advisers based regionally to give support to members.
We have been looking after the interests of our members, as well as promoting the positive aspects of land ownership, land management and rural business activities for the past 113 years. CLA members own or manage approximately half the rural land in England and Wales, and the resulting expertise puts us in a unique position to formulate policies and lobby effectively.
For more information visit https://www.cla.org.uk/in-your-area/south-east/ or follow @CLASouthEast on X.
Mike Sims, Senior Communications Manager
Country Land and Business Association (CLA)
Tel: 01264 358195 | M: 07702 926916
Email: mike.sims@cla.org.uk
About the New Forest National Park AuthorityProtect – Enjoy – Prosper
The New Forest National Park Authority’s statutory purposes are to:
-Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park – Protect.
-Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities – Enjoy.
We also have a duty to:
Seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park – Prosper.
The New Forest National Park was designated in March 2005. Its unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet recreation, enjoyment and discovery.
Visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk to find out more.
Further information
Jonathan Low
New Forest National Park Authority communications assistant
Email: jonathan.low@newforestnpa.gov.uk