BOF Annual Awards 2024: Respect the Environment Award Winner – Southampton Orienteering Club

The Respect the Environment Award was established last year and recognises the increasing importance to understand and respect the natural environment we love our sport to be an integral part of. Below we share why they were nominated as winners for the 2023 Award. 

Forestry England Southern Permissions team has successfully worked with Southampton
Orienteering club for several years. Acting as the New Forest Orienteering co-ordinator, Julian
Hartwell (SOC) has been an integral part of the planning of many events on New Forest land.

The New Forest is heavily protected, which means that we have important conservation obligations, including legal duties on the amount and types of activities that can take place here. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area for Birds, a Special Area of Conservation, and a Ramsar site. Due to all these protections, the district undertakes Habitats Regulation Assessments (HRA) of its permissible activities and works to ensure there is no significant harm or impact to protected habitat and wildlife. 

Southampton Orienteering Club has always adhered to the HRA in the planning of their own
events and of others wishing to use the New Forest. They have set a ‘Gold Standard’ of
how Southern Permissions aspire to work with other Orienteering clubs. Julian has worked closely with Forestry England to understand their ecology restrictions, and he always ensures these are communicated positively back to the event organisers he coordinates.

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Congratulations to the club!

Next up, we will be sharing details of the winner of The Spirit of Inclusion Award 2024. Check our website or social media daily for the latest updates.