As March unfolds across the New Forest, there is a real sense of momentum building. The lighter evenings, the first proper warmth in the air, and the landscape slowly coming back to life all signal a change in season. Here at Hockey’s Farm Shop, that seasonal shift brings two things together beautifully, the grand finale of the New Forest Awakening Festival and the excitement of Easter just around the corner.

This is the moment where everything comes together. Community, countryside, food, family and the simple joy of being outdoors in the New Forest.

The Grand Finale: Family & Animals Day at Hockey’s

Celebrate the final day of the New Forest Awakening festival with a day that is noisy, fun, and full of life. We are opening up the farm for a high-energy family day where children can get up close to our most loved residents and learn what it’s really like to be a New Forest farmer.

Whether you are a local family or visiting the New Forest for the festival, this is your invitation to step into farm life for the day, expect fresh air, muddy boots and plenty of hands-on learning.

What’s Happening on the Day

Meet the Farmer Talks
Head over to the pig pens and donkey paddocks for relaxed, informal “lightning talks.” Our farmers will introduce you to the animals, explain how we care for them, and answer all those brilliant “why?” questions from curious young minds.

The Loop Walk
Take a self-guided wander around Hockey’s Loop Walk and experience the New Forest in spring. Expect birdsong, new growth, and that unmistakable feeling of the season changing.

Photo Opportunities
Capture a proper countryside moment with family photos by our farm equipment and animal paddocks, the kind you will actually want to keep.

Team Presence All Day
Our team will be out and about across the farm, helping guide you, answering questions and making sure everyone, especially the little ones, can explore safely.

A Proper Day Out (Without the Stress)

We know that excited children and long café sittings don’t always go hand in hand. So, we have made it simple.

Introducing our Little Farmer’s Lunch Box, designed for families who want flexibility. These grab-and-go lunch boxes mean you can picnic by the paddocks, eat on the move, or settle wherever suits you best.

Pre-ordering is strongly recommended to make sure you don’t miss out.

Event Schedule

11:00am – Goat Exercise & Pet Pigs ‘Salad Bar’
Watch the animals enjoy their morning feed, always a favourite with children.

12:00pm – Kids’ Lunchbox Collection
Collect your pre-ordered lunch boxes from the café and head straight back out to the action.

1:00pm – Donkey Grooming & Alpaca Learning
Spend time with our gentle donkeys and learn more about our alpacas.

2:00pm – Special Pig Talk with Jonny
A brilliant opportunity to hear about our pigs, their care, and why they are such an important part of the farm.

3:00pm – Goat Exercise & Pet Pigs ‘Salad Bar’
Another chance to catch the animals in action.

Running All Day

Meet the Guinea Pigs
Freya will be introducing visitors to our much-loved guinea pigs throughout the day.

Easter Trail & Spring Walk
Take a wander down to Cuckoo Copse, see the primroses in bloom and let the children complete our Easter trail along the way.

The Colouring Washing Line
A simple but brilliant activity — children can create their own masterpiece and hang it up for everyone to see.

Local Makers Joining Us

Alongside the farm experience, we are bringing together a selection of wonderful local producers and creatives, making this a true New Forest community day.

Bramble and Beach Photography
Fordingbridge Fudge
Longfield Barn Pottery
Jan Hawker (Artist)
Ali Hoyle (Children’s Author)
Jasmine Makes Stuff (Crochet animals, bags & keyrings)
Ian Lubbock (Animal prints)

It is the perfect opportunity to browse, pick up something unique, and support local makers while you are here.

Planning Your Visit

Cost
Access to the farm and Meet the Farmer talks is free. We simply encourage visitors to support the farm by pre-booking lunch boxes or visiting the Farm Shop and Butchery.

What to Wear
This is a working New Forest farm, wellies or sturdy footwear are highly recommended for both children and adults.

Parking
Follow signs on arrival and please drive slowly, there will be plenty of “little farmers” exploring.

Looking Ahead: Easter at Hockey’s Farm Shop

As the festival draws to a close, the focus naturally shifts to Easter, one of the most important moments in the farm shop calendar.

From Easter Sunday roasts to relaxed family gatherings, this is the time to start planning. Our butchery team will be preparing exceptional cuts including spring lamb, dry-aged beef and seasonal favourites, all sourced with a strong focus on provenance and quality.

Alongside this, the farm shop and The Vinery will be filled with thoughtful gifts, seasonal treats and locally made produce, perfect for Easter celebrations or simply making the most of a spring day out in the New Forest.

Whether you are planning ahead for Easter lunch, picking up gifts, or just looking for somewhere to spend time together outdoors, Hockey’s offers a complete experience - food, countryside and community all in one place.

Make a Day of It

The New Forest Awakening finale is not just an event, it is a chance to reconnect with the land, meet the people behind your food, and give children the freedom to explore, learn and enjoy the outdoors.

Pair that with the build-up to Easter, and you have the perfect reason to visit.

Join us at Hockey’s Farm Shop this week and make it a day worth remembering.