AN online marketplace showcasing 70 local producers from across the New Forest has been launched.

Shop New Forest is the brainchild of Liz Welch, who lives in Brockenhurst with her husband and two teenagers and is currently furloughed from her part time job in a Lymington estate agency.

She has been a fan of buying local since she moved to the New Forest nearly 20 years ago.

Liz said: “It’s a small step, but during my time on furlough I knew that I had to do something.

“Inspired by an idea in Canada I heard about, bravely named ‘Not-Amazon’, I approached local producers and experience givers with an invite to be part of Shop New Forest. I was met with overwhelming support.

“Our launch comes shortly after Amazon announced its profits had nearly doubled in 2020, and its purchase of 11 Boeings to cope with increased demand. The potential knock on effect of this stronghold to local producers is huge.

“With time on my hands but a budget of zero, I turned to friends and family for advice on setting up a website and tips on how to get the word out. New Forest Business Partnership seminars were really helpful too. It’s been a steep learning curve.”

Shop New Forest, which can be found at www.shopnewforest.uk, showcases a range of producers who have been operating between one month and 40 years.

It also highlights adventures and excursions on offer to locals and visitors from belt making to beekeeping.

Each profile listed has a link directly to the producer’s own website for more info and how to purchase.

Lisa Watson, of Under the Tree Pottery, added: “I hope this site encourages people to shop local, as when something is handmade, as well as time and materials a general passion and care goes in to every piece made and sold, the kind of love and care you don’t get from mass produced items.”

Any New Forest producer who would like to be included should email liz@shopnewforest.uk