Go Green

Hampshire is a predominantly rural county and protecting the environment while welcoming visitors is high on everyone's agenda. If you would like to keep your carbon footprint to a minimum while visiting Hampshire, here are some top tips and suggestions:

Eat local

Hampshire is proud of its reputation for top quality local food and produce. You can meet the producers at our popular Farmers' Markets and try some of our specialities such as Alresford watercress and award-winning cheeses.

Public transport

Hampshire is well connected by train and bus and many of the county's attractions are accessible via public transport. At Brockenhurst railway station you can hire bikes as the New Forest is on your doorstep.

Green accommodation

Local green accommodation schemes have been set up in the New Forest and Winchester. They enable smaller business to reflect their local distinctiveness through a self-assessment questionnaire and other measures, and help to showcase local industry's commitment to protecting the environment and embracing sustainability.

These well respected local schemes act as a stepping stone for businesses who may then wish to apply for accreditation with the national Green Tourism Business Scheme. This is a rigorous national sustainable tourism certification scheme which looks at energy, water, consumption and many other measures.

The New Forest

The New Forest prides itself on being England's greenest destination, not just by virtue of its beautiful National Park but also by ensuring it strikes a healthy balance between tourism promotion and sustainability, championing local distinctiveness including local food, and going that extra mile to help protect the environment.

Some establishments in the New Forest offer discounts or incentives if you arrive by public transport and the open top New Forest Tour Bus is a fantastic way to see the forest from July - September. It can even take your bikes so you can hop on and off throughout the day exploring the forest on two wheels!