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SOC wins British Orienteering Award
Southampton Orienteering Club has been awarded British Orienteering's "Respect the Environment" award. The nomination came from Emma Monkman, Access and Environment Officer at the national federation. The award is in recognition of the club's work to protect the natural environment in the New Forest.
Forestry England provided the following quote in support of the nomination:
"Forestry England Southern Permissions team have successfully worked with Southampton Orienteering Club for several years. Acting as the New Forest Orienteering co-ordinator Julian 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 work to ensure there is no significant harm or impact to protected habitat and wildlife.
Southampton Orienteering Club have always adhered to the HRA in the planning of their own events and of others wishing to use the New Forest. As the Activites and Permissions manager I feel 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 our ecology restrictions and he always ensures these are communicated positively back to the event organisers he coordinates."
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I hope everyone enjoyed the first of our Summer Series for 2025. Many thanks to Steve Pullen for organising, and Ian Moran for planning. Entries for our next event at Queen Elizabeth Country Park on 3rd May are already open on 
