A Sustainable Farm at the Heart of the New Forest

In the heart of the New Forest, Hockey’s Farm has always stood for community, countryside living and the simple pleasure of good, honest food. Alongside this, another commitment has steadily grown year after year — a genuine, long-term dedication to sustainability.

This commitment isn’t driven by trends or marketing buzzwords. It’s rooted in responsibility: to the land, the wildlife and the people who rely on this special place. Sustainability at Hockey’s Farm is practical, carefully planned and shaped by the environmental realities of the New Forest — from heavier rainfall and changing weather patterns to rising energy costs and pressure on natural ecosystems.

Every decision, investment and daily practice is part of a wider aim: to run a farm, farm shop and café that works in harmony with its surroundings while protecting the landscape for future generations.

Harnessing Solar Power: Renewable Energy in Action

One of the most significant sustainability milestones at Hockey’s Farm has been the installation of 200 solar panels, capable of generating 52 kWh of electricity.

This investment has:

• Reduced our reliance on grid electricity by 50%

• Prevented approximately 33,000 kg of carbon dioxide emissions

• Exported around 21,000 kWh of renewable energy back to the national grid

The solar system powers much of the day-to-day operation of the Farm Shop, Farmyard Café and other buildings across the site. Beyond environmental benefits, it also provides long-term resilience, helping to protect the business against future energy volatility.

Generating renewable energy is only part of the picture. Reducing energy demand is just as important.

Enhanced Insulation

Additional insulation has been installed in both the Farm Shop and Farmhouse, helping to retain heat in winter and keep buildings cooler in summer. This reduces overall energy consumption and lessens demand on both the grid and our solar system.

LED-Only Lighting Policy

All outdated lighting has been replaced with energy-efficient LEDs, and an LED-only policy is now in place across the entire site. LED lighting uses significantly less energy, lasts longer and reduces maintenance waste — a small change with a lasting impact.

EV Charging Point

An on-site electric vehicle charging point supports staff and customers who have made the switch to electric vehicles, encouraging lower-carbon travel throughout the local community.

Water Management: Working With the Landscape

The New Forest’s beauty is shaped by water — but heavy rainfall and high groundwater can pose challenges. At Hockey’s Farm, extensive water-management systems have been designed to protect the land while supporting wildlife.

Rainwater Harvesting

We have installed 64,000 litres of above-ground rainwater storage tanks, harvesting water from the barn roof. This water is used as drinking water for our animals, reducing reliance on mains water and easing pressure on the land during periods of heavy rainfall.

Underground Water Storage

An additional underground storage tank captures excess water from surrounding fields, helping to reduce flooding and maintain healthy, usable land throughout the year.

Drainage and Wildlife Habitats

Three perforated underground drainage pipes now lead into a newly created pond. This system:

• Reduces waterlogging and improves soil health

• Creates a natural wetland habitat supporting birds, insects and amphibians

Maintaining Natural Watercourses

Existing watercourses around the farm are carefully maintained, helping the wider landscape cope more effectively with periods of heavy rainfall.

Wildflower Areas and Pollinator Support

Multiple natural wildflower areas have been established across the farm to support bees, insects and other wildlife. These areas provide nectar, shelter and food while contributing to soil health and natural pest control.

Beyond their ecological value, wildflower areas enhance the natural beauty of the farm and play an important role in supporting local biodiversity.

Protecting Ancient Woodland

Four acres of ancient woodland at Hockey’s Farm have been intentionally left completely wild. Ancient woodland ecosystems are irreplaceable, often taking centuries to develop. By leaving this area untouched, we’re safeguarding a vital natural asset that benefits the entire local environment.

Waste Management: Turning Food Waste Into Energy

All food waste from the Farmyard Café and butchery is collected for anaerobic digestion. This process breaks down organic matter to produce renewable electricity.

By diverting food waste away from landfill, we reduce methane emissions and help generate clean energy — another sustainability cycle that begins right here on the farm.

Modern Sewage Treatment

Two modern sewage treatment plants have replaced four older septic tanks. This upgrade:

• Prevents soil contamination

• Reduces carbon emissions

• Improves the long-term environmental footprint of the site

While largely unseen, this improvement plays a vital role in protecting land and water quality.

Encouraging Greener Travel

Cycle racks are available on site to support customers and staff who choose to travel by bike. With the New Forest’s extensive cycling routes, we’re proud to welcome visitors who prefer a low-impact way to reach the farm.

Sustainability as a Long-Term Commitment

None of these initiatives happened overnight. They are the result of careful planning, investment and a belief that running a farm and farm shop comes with responsibilities that extend far beyond day-to-day operations.

Our sustainability journey continues. We regularly review our practices, explore new ideas and look for further ways to reduce our environmental impact.