Local produce Archives

New Forest Artisans : Honey

September 5, 2026August 17, 2026Local produce

One of the most unique noticeable features of the New Forest's heathland is the great swathes of heather. Their changing hues colour the landscape and mark each passing year. There are three species in the

New Forest Shortbread

July 5, 2026June 5, 2026Local produce

Brockenhurst Artisans: New Forest Shortbread In 2014, Tracy Thew began baking the shortbread her family and friends had always loved from a cottage in Burley as a retirement project. What started as a small artisan

Apple Day

November 1, 2025October 20, 2025Environment and climate change, Local produce, Village Life

Greener Brockenhurst Apple Day – 18th October 2025 For anyone with a bumper crop of apples this year Greener Brockenhurst set up a community apple pressing day in the ground of St Saviours church. This

New Forest Artisans : Bakes and Cakes

August 19, 2023June 30, 2023Local produce

The Covid lockdown had a huge impact on many artisans’ small businesses, and I have discovered that many of those covered in this series changed their ways of working and had to be flexible to

New Forest Artisans : Drinks

August 12, 2023June 30, 2023Local produce

For the final feature about artisans working in the New Forest area I turn to those creating drinks – alcoholic and other! GIN Founded in 2017 Beachcomber Gin is based in Everton and specialises in

New Forest Artisans : Soaps and Fragrances

August 5, 2023June 30, 2023Local produceartisans

For thousands of years soap has been made from goats’ milk and the special properties of this handmade product have gained in popularity in recent decades. With many people seeking healthier alternatives both for themselves

New Forest Artisans : textiles and leather

July 29, 2023June 30, 2023Local produceartisans

Amongst the many free-roaming animals in the New Forest, sheep are in the minority, with only one commoner currently exercising their rights with sheep. The New Forest Show had classes for 30 different breeds of

New Forest Artisans : Woodcraft

July 22, 2023June 30, 2023Local produce

For over 900 years the New Forest has been managed woodland. The heathland has been created by 4000 years of grazing, heather burning and clearance, but the areas of woodland have also been changed by

New Forest Artisans : Jams and Preserves

July 15, 2023June 30, 2023Local produce

The soil and climate of the area, particularly along the coast, is ideal for the cultivation of many berries, with strawberries being the most popular. Since the 1800s strawberries have been grown and sold in

New Forest Artisans : Tea and Coffee

July 8, 2023June 30, 2023Local produce

Whether your favoured drink is tea or coffee, we all tend to have our favourites and stick to blends we are familiar with. However, there is also a growing recognition that not all brands offer