The CLA and New Forest National Park Authority have launched their 2018 joint awards with a new category for land management, reflecting the contribution made by landowners and farmers to maintaining and enhancing the countryside and natural environment.

The annual awards will also celebrate the best local food and drink producers, diversified rural businesses, young farmers and commoners and the volunteers who support the New Forest’s landscape and economy.

The rural diversification and land management categories are open to businesses, landowners and farmers across Hampshire. The remaining three awards are open to entries from the New Forest area only.

The winners in each category will be presented with a trophy at an awards ceremony at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show on 25 July. 

CLA South East Regional Director Robin Edwards comments: ‘These awards are a great opportunity to recognise the many successful and innovative rural businesses located in the New Forest and Hampshire as well as reward those individuals who look after and enhance our landscapes through land management, commoning activities and sustainability initiatives.’

New Forest National Park Authority Chief Executive Alison Barnes said New Forest National Park Authority Chief Executive Alison Barnes, said: ‘In the sixth year of our joint awards with the CLA it is great to see them expanding with a new category. This will allow us to recognise even more of the special people who work at the heart of the living, working Forest. 

‘If you know somebody who goes above and beyond to benefit the National Park please do take the opportunity to reward them with an award nomination.’

Nominations and entries can be made online at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/awards. There will also be nominations in each category made by specialist local organisations.

The full criteria and rules can be viewed at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/awardsinfo. To request a paper copy of the nomination form, please contact the New Forest National Park Authority on 01590 646650.

The closing date for entries is 31 May 2018.