Here at Hockey’s Farm we are fortunate enough to be located in the New Forest National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty. We take our environmental and social responsibilities very seriously for the benefit of our visitors, our neighbours and our employees. The land is not ours, it belongs to the future and we will work tirelessly to maintain that philosophy through our thoughts, actions and deeds.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme

http://www.green-tourism.com/

This scheme is the leading green tourism certification scheme in the UK. Businesses whom  join the scheme are inspected and assessed by a qualified assessor against a rigorous set of criteria including energy and water efficiency, waste management, biodiversity and much more. After assessment if the businesses meet the required standard they are awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold based on the level of achievement. Hockey’s have been awarded the Gold level. On Hockey’s first assessment they were awarded a Silver level and advised that they were very close to Gold with some minor changes.

By choosing to visit a Green Tourism member you are supporting a business that cares about the environment and social responsibility and is always working hard to achieve higher standards.

Green Tourism is one of the most rigorous certification programmes of its kind. It is the only one that is independently validated by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) on behalf of VisitEngland, VisitWales, and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and is endorsed by VisitScotland and Failte Ireland.

Responsible visitor charter

We work hard to protect the environment in this very special area and encourage our visitors and customers to do the same by;

  • Disposing of litter in the bins provided and separating waste in to the bins provided for glass, plastic, paper and aluminium

  • Keeping to the paths and not entering areas that may damage the plant life and disturb the animals

  • Keeping dogs on leads and clearing up after them-selves. Poo bags are provided on request

  • Arrive on foot, bicycle or bus whenever possible

  • Driving responsibly to our site to protect verges and the many animals that roam freely in the National Park

  • Reminding visitors that feeding the Forest animals is not permitted

We encourage our visitors to arrive by bicycle, bus or on foot;

  • The nearest bus stop is on the A338, Salisbury Road,  1 mile walk from the farm

  • The bus route is on the Bournemouth – Salisbury – Bournemouth route

  • We are on one of the designated New Forest cycle routes

  • There are ample racks available for visiting cyclists to park their bikes

  • We encourage cycling - Please contact Cyclexperience in Brockenhurst on 01590 624808 or visit www.cyclex.co.uk to book bike hire online

  • Cycle maps are available for free via the Cyclexperience app

  • There is access directly on to the open National Park for walkers along the lane next to the farm

  • Walking maps are available free of charge via https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/things-to-do/walking

The New Forest is a National Park and is filled with activities which do not require the use of a car, such as;

  • Cycling – There are many designated cycle routes and visitors are encouraged not to stray form them so as to preserve the environment

  • Walking – There are also a large number of walking routes  to enjoy

  • Pony Riding – Stables across the Forest cater for the more adventurous who want to enjoy the Forest on horseback

  • More details of things to do in the New Forest can be found on the Go New Forest website https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/

  • Details of accommodation and places to visit with Green Tourism accreditation visit https://www.green-tourism.com

Travel links and car-free activities

Playing a part in the local community is an integral part of our business ethos, so we work very hard to do all we can to live this ideal by;

  • Using local suppliers – We use over 40 small suppliers local to our business

  • We actively support and engage with local organisations such as

  • We have and will continue to support local and local representatives of charities such as;

    • Southampton Rotary

    • Wessex Heartbeat

    • Age Concern

    • The Danny Cracknell Memorial Fund

    • The Royal British Legion

    • Air Ambulance

    • World Wildlife Fund

    • Sarah Kinsley Fund

    • National Trust

    • Hyde Band

    • Local schools and churches

    • Ellingham and Ringwood Show

    • Food hampers or vouchers always provided on request for local fundraising events

  • We employ mainly local people,  mostly from within a 4 mile radius

  • The shop is the only place within the local three villages that is open every day and we are a community hub where locals meet and socialise

  • One of the owners actively supports the Parish in the capacity of Parish Councillor

  • We host events on the farm such as;

    • Local craft days

    • Wreath making

    • Sausage making

    • Butchery demonstrations

    • Gingerbread Houses 

    • Buggy Fit Club

    • Alpaca Shearing demonstration

    • Local producer pop up stands

    • Local photographer book signings

    • Monthly WI social gatherings 

    • Visits from Preschools, Brownies and Guides

Supporting the local community

We welcome elderly and disabled visitors. Our staff are delighted to offer assistance if required.

  • The site is entirely on level ground and all areas are accessible by wheelchairs

  • There is a cattle grid at the vehicular entrance to the site, but there is a pedestrian and cycle access to the side which is accessible by wheelchair

  • The entrance to the shop has a long shallow ramp which is accessible to wheelchairs

  • The entrance to the cafe is flat and wide

  • Customer toilets have a long shallow ramp and a dedicated disabled toilet with a low sink, mirror and hand dryer. There are grab rails fitted and ample turning space for a wheelchair

  • We have a dedicated disabled parking space in the car park

Accessibility Guide