Have a Forest-friendly festive season
It’s easy to go green this Christmas thanks to the fabulous food, drink and gifts available on our doorstep in the New Forest.
Buying local supports the New Forest community while reducing the environmental impact of transporting products long distances. Not only is it better for the planet, but when food has travelled less miles it’s fresher, tastier and more nutritious, plus independent shops are treasure troves of individual and artisan gifts.
When you buy local, you support small-scale producers and the traditional ways of farmers and commoners closely linked to the special landscape of the National Park.
Produce featuring the New Forest Marque logo is guaranteed to have been grown, reared, brewed, produced or processed right here in the New Forest.
Marque food and drink
Marque members offer beef, pork, turkey, goose and duck, as well as other locally-produced meat and charcuterie. You can buy direct from many businesses, such as Paul Tanner’s Great Oaks Farm, or from one of the many Marque retailers who support our local producers.
Award-winning cheeses, fish and locally-grown seasonal fruit and vegetables are among the many delicious local options available. Check out Marque bakers and cakemakers such as Spout House Cakes for your Christmas cake and Dotty Biscotti for artisan biscuits, or make your own with Marque-stamped eggs, flour, jams, honeys are more.
When stocking up your drinks cabinet, you’re spoilt for choice with fantastic local wine, gin, beer, cider and soft drinks. You can even make your Christmas cosy with firewood from sustainable sources through Westbeams, and source locally-grown trees, plants and decorations.
Shop for seasonal fruit and vegetables and products with little or no packaging, or try the New Forest’s zero waste grocery shop The Naked Pantry.
Marque gifts
If you’re looking for climate-friendly gift ideas, how about giving a tree or plant from Setley Ridge Garden Centre, Shallowmead Nurseries or Stewarts Garden Centre.
Many Marque members offer unique experiences which are a good alternative to physical presents. Buy a beekeeping experience with The Noble Bee, a marmalade masterclass with Naked Jam, gin tasting at the Thatched Cottage Hotel or tea for two at the eco-friendly Cottage Lodge Hotel.
There are plenty of Marque products with excellent climate-friendly credentials. Gift pretty cotton beeswax food wraps from Penny’s Daughter, buy a unique recycled woodwork gift from BearWood or source hand-made candles from carbon neutral company New Forest Aromatics.
If you’d like to gift a range of Marque products, why not choose a beautiful hamper from The New Forest Hamper Company or The Forest Foodie.
Taste of the New Forest
To really wow a special person in your life, treat them to a New Forest Marque Taste of the New Forest seasonal box or subscription. Each box contains hand-picked, seasonal products from New Forest Marque members. A one-off box costs £45 or a year’s subscription of four boxes costs £140, a saving of £40.
More ways to buy local
New Forest Marque hotels, pubs, restaurants & tea rooms
