New Forest | Posted on April 28th, 2026 | return to news

New Forest Awards now open

Nominations for the six categories close on 31 May, with the awards ceremony at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show on Wednesday 29 July.

Rural heroes are to be celebrated at the 2026 New Forest Awards. Organised by the New Forest National Park Authority and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), 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.

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.

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 https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/protecting/partnerships/new-forest-national-park-awards/