Keep it local this Christmas
Look no further than the New Forest this Christmas for the freshest foods, divine drinks and quality, handcrafted gifts for loved ones.
You’ll find lots of inspiration on where to buy local with the New Forest Marque, a unique network of small-scale and artisan businesses with the Forest at the heart of their offering.
When you choose Marque products you support the community as well as the traditional ways of farmers and producers linked to the landscape of the New Forest National Park. Free-roaming cattle, sheep and pigs graze the grasses, plants and nuts of the New Forest, resulting in sustainable meat which is celebrated for its superb flavour. Marque members offer a range of local meats including beef, lamb and pork as well as turkey, goose, duck, and locally-produced charcuterie.
The Marque’s website lists local farms – many of which you can buy direct from – as well as retailers, butchers and farm shops selling local meat and fresh New Forest fruit and vegetables. You’ll also discover local favourites such as award-winning Lyburn cheeses, exquisite pâté from the New Forest Smokery & Trout Farm, and handmade delights from Fordingbridge Fudge.
Check out cakemakers such as Peony Cottage Cakes, New Forest Cake House, and Spout House Cakes for sumptuous treats, or artisan biscuit makers Dotty Biscotti, Manns Cookies and New Forest Shortbread for gift ideas.
When it comes to drink, the Marque has it covered with four vineyards producing an array of impressive English wines, including Brook Hill, Coach House, Marlings and Setley Ridge. The Marque also boasts two brilliant home-grown gins: Beachcomber Gin and Wyrd Gin, a range of beers from microbrewery Pig Beer, and crisp handcrafted ciders Harrow Wood Farm Cider and My ‘N’ Ers Cider. For a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, stock up on New Forest Spring Water, a natural spring water sourced and bottled locally.
As well as food and drink producers, Marque members include craftspeople whose beautiful handmade goods are inspired by the New Forest. Marque makers choose local ingredients and materials whenever possible to create unique and interesting products which are so much more special than anything mass produced.
Buy hand-dyed yarns, needlefelt and knit kits from New Forest Mohair, luxurious, curly grey sheepskins and throw from Hollyhock Flock, or clothing made from the softest natural fibre by Faraway Alpacas.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury cosmetics with many members offering handcrafted products using local, natural ingredients; try New Forest Aromatics, Jacquie’s Artisan Soaps and Cyril’s Soap Shed. There are an impressive nine Marque beekeepers, who produce a variety of natural honeys and a range of high-quality bee products such as beeswax candles and skincare.
Or why not show your connection to the New Forest by choosing gifts made from New Forest Tartan, created in the beautiful colours of the Forest, or artwork inspired by the landscape from artists Rosie Wesley, Shaun Stevens and Sandra Binney.
About the New Forest Marque
The New Forest Marque has around 170 members, proudly representing many areas of New Forest business, including food and drink; hospitality and retail; crafts, art, trees and education. The organisation is constantly expanding its membership of people dedicated to championing New Forest produce and good provenance. All New Forest Marque goods must meet strict criteria that guarantees they are truly local, while hospitality and retail members offer their customers a wide selection of Marque produce. Anything bearing the distinctive logo is grown, reared, brewed, produced or processed in the New Forest. The Marque would love to hear from local producers, email us at hello@newforestmarque.co.uk.
