The New Forest Awakening Festival 2026 at Hockey’s Farm Shop
Celebrating Local Food, Climate Awareness and Community in the Heart of the New Forest
Throughout March 2026, the New Forest will once again come alive with ideas, inspiration and action as the New Forest Awakening Festival returns from 1st–31st March.
Organised by the New Forest National Park Authority and supported by the New Forest Marque, the month-long festival shines a spotlight on climate, nature and the positive steps we can all take to protect the landscapes, wildlife and communities that make the New Forest so special.
In 2025, more than 4,000 people attended over 130 events across the region, from guided walks and tree planting to cooking workshops and behind-the-scenes tours. In 2026, Hockey’s Farm Shop in South Gorley is proud to be hosting a full calendar of events that bring together local food, local makers and meaningful conversation about sustainability.
This is about more than a festival. It is about strengthening the connection between shopping locally, eating locally sourced food and reducing our environmental impact, all while celebrating the very best of the New Forest.
Why The New Forest Awakening Matters
The New Forest is one of the UK’s most treasured landscapes. Its ancient woodland, open heathland and traditional commoning practices are internationally recognised. Yet climate change, environmental pressures and shifting consumer habits mean we must all think carefully about how we live, eat and shop.
The New Forest Awakening Festival encourages residents and visitors alike to:
Support independent local businesses
Choose seasonal, locally sourced food
Reduce food miles
Learn practical skills
Engage with conservation and sustainability initiatives
At Hockey’s Farm Shop, these principles are part of daily life. From working with New Forest Marque members to championing regional producers and hosting community events, we see first-hand how local food systems strengthen both the economy and the environment.
March 2026 is our opportunity to open the gates and invite you to experience that for yourself.
What’s On at Hockey’s Farm Shop – March 2026
Located in South Gorley near Ringwood, Hockey’s Farm Shop is perfectly placed for visitors exploring the western edge of the New Forest National Park. Each of our Awakening events has been designed to highlight a different aspect of local food, wellbeing and community connection.
Sunday 1st March – The Local Makers Market
10am – 1pm | Free Event
We’re launching the month with a vibrant shopping-focused event bringing together New Forest Marque members, local producers and independent makers.
Expect carefully curated stalls showcasing regional produce, artisan gifts and sustainable goods. Confirmed participants include:
New Forest Aromatics
New Forest Shortbread
This is your chance to meet the people behind the products, discover new brands and understand how choosing locally made items reduces transport emissions and supports the rural economy.
Whether you are stocking up on gifts, exploring seasonal flavours or simply enjoying a morning browsing in the New Forest countryside, this event celebrates conscious consumer choices in action.
Thursday 5th March – Carers and Companions Coffee
10am – Midday | Accessible & Relaxed Morning
Community wellbeing is central to sustainability.
Our Carers and Companions Coffee morning is a welcoming, inclusive space designed for carers, older residents and companions who value connection over coffee and cake. With a talk from New Forest Marque member New Forest Aromatics, the focus will be on local produce, wellbeing and the therapeutic benefits of natural ingredients.
Sustainability is not only about the environment, it is about people. Supporting mental wellbeing, reducing isolation and creating inclusive spaces are equally vital parts of building resilient communities.
Tuesday 10th March – Breakfast & Guided Farm Walk
9am – Midday | £20 per person
Few things connect you more directly to your food than understanding the land it comes from.
This event begins with breakfast at Hockey’s Farm Shop before a guided walk along our Hockey’s Farm Loop. After breakfast, Andrew Parry Norton will give a talk, sharing insight into landscape, conservation and the delicate balance that defines the New Forest.
The Hockey’s team will then lead the walk, discussing:
Seasonal changes in the New Forest
How local farming works alongside conservation
Why buying local produce matters
The impact of food miles on climate
This is sustainability you can see and feel under your boots.
Saturday 14th March – Recipes & Tasters: Cooking with the Season
10am – 1.30pm | Free Event
Seasonal cooking reduces environmental impact, supports local farmers and delivers exceptional flavour.
Our Recipes and Tasters event will showcase New Forest produce with demonstrations, tastings and practical cooking advice. Visitors will learn how to:
Cook confidently with seasonal ingredients
Use whole cuts efficiently
Reduce food waste
Choose locally sourced meat and produce
By understanding what is in season and how to cook it well, we reduce reliance on imported goods and support sustainable farming systems within Hampshire and the wider New Forest.
Friday 20th March – Breakfast & Guided Farm Walk
9am – Midday | £20 per person
A second opportunity to join us for breakfast and a guided walk, this time with Andrew Parry Norton giving the talk and Jonny and Georgie leading the walk.
Demand for the first event is expected to be high, so this second date ensures more visitors can participate in a meaningful New Forest experience that blends food, education and landscape appreciation.
Monday 23rd March – The Golden Years Lunch
Midday – 2pm | Sociable Lunch Event
Our Golden Years Lunch is aimed at the older generation within our New Forest community. Sustainability also means honouring knowledge, stories and tradition.
With a talk from Jodi Longyear, this relaxed lunch provides:
Locally sourced food
Conversation and connection
Insight into New Forest heritage
Intergenerational learning is part of preserving our rural identity.
Saturday 28th March – Family & Animal Showcase
10am – 2pm | Free Event
Closing the month, our Family and Animal Showcase celebrates the farm itself.
With participation from Bramble and Beach, this family-friendly day highlights:
Farm animals
Food production
The role of ethical farming in climate resilience
Education for younger generations
Children who understand where food comes from grow into adults who value local supply chains.
Shopping Local is Climate Action
One of the central themes of the 2026 New Forest Awakening Festival is the link between shopping locally and reducing environmental impact.
When you buy from Hockey’s Farm Shop in South Gorley:
You reduce transport miles
You support New Forest producers
You strengthen rural employment
You encourage sustainable farming practices
You invest in your local economy
Every purchase is a vote for the kind of food system you want to see thrive.
Plan Your Visit to Hockey’s Farm Shop, South Gorley
Hockey’s Farm Shop is located in South Gorley near Ringwood, on the edge of the New Forest National Park.
During March 2026, visitors can combine festival events with:
Browsing our Farm Shop
Visiting the Farmyard Cafe
Meeting the animals
Exploring the surrounding New Forest countryside
Many events are free, while ticketed events such as Breakfast & Guided Walks offer exceptional value for an immersive New Forest experience.
Please see a full list of events by visiting our events page : https://www.hockeysfarm.co.uk/events-news
Join the Awakening
The New Forest Awakening Festival is free to be part of, and every event helps showcase the strength of our local food and farming community.
Whether you attend one event or several, March is your opportunity to:
Learn something new
Support local producers
Connect with your community
Experience the New Forest in a meaningful way
At Hockey’s Farm Shop, we believe sustainability is not a trend, it is a responsibility.
We look forward to welcoming you to South Gorley throughout March 2026 as we celebrate local food, nature and the future of the New Forest together.
