David Bence in the New Forest

Last month we said a sincere thank you to Dan Parsons, who stepped down after seven years of dedicated service as Chairman of the New Forest Marque. Under Dan’s leadership, the Marque has continued to grow as a trusted symbol of local provenance and quality. We’re incredibly grateful for his contribution. We’re now pleased to welcome David Bence MA MSc as our new Interim Chair.

David brings extensive leadership and governance experience, including his recent role as Chair of the New Forest National Park Authority, where he served as a DEFRA-appointed representative for eight years. His career in the Royal Navy and wider public and private sectors gives him a unique perspective on strategy, resilience, and community engagement.

As an advocate for the New Forest, David is also a keen forager, gardener and food producer – values that resonate with the Marque’s mission to champion local, seasonal, and sustainable produce.

We look forward to the next chapter under David’s leadership as we continue to support and promote the exceptional producers and businesses of the New Forest.