Hockey’s Farm Shop, the family-run destination in South Gorley, has been named Sustainability Champion at this year’s New Forest National Park Awards, in recognition of its work reducing environmental impact while remaining a working farm.
What started as a small farm shop, for Jonny and Laura Burrell, has grown into a wider community hub and is now home to a traditional butchery, the Farmyard Café and the Vinery gift shop.
Laura Burrell said: ‘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.’
‘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.’
Now in their 13th year, the annual awards, run by the New Forest National Park Authority 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.
For Jonny and Laura, sustainability is a matter of duty over marketing. Laura said: ‘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.’
Discussing the significant investment across the site, including 200 solar panels, on-site EV charging, extensive rainwater harvesting and zero-waste practices such as anaerobic digestion, Laura said: ‘It ensures our business remains resilient against energy volatility, while working with our surroundings.’
‘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.’
Praising the couple’s approach, New Forest National Park Authority member and award judge, James Wylor-Owen said: ‘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 Farm Shop showcases what can be achieved by investing in the future and championing sustainability.’