New Forest Escapes, the Lymington-based award-winning local holiday home rental experts, are getting back to basics by donating £2,000 to the New Forest Basics Bank. Read on!
A veritable army of local heroes, the Trustees and Volunteers of New Forest Basics Bank
Jane Wilkinson, Managing Director, New Forest Escapes, says: “We are delighted to support the New Forest Basics Bank at what is, in the winter months and post-Christmas, a difficult time for many. Here in the New Forest, we are very fortunate to live and work in such a beautiful and affluent part of the country. Yet, this can mean that the scale of need in the area is often not realised - making it important that local businesses, like ours, support those in our community facing hardship.
“So, instead of giving our usual Christmas gifts to our business partners and homeowners, the New Forest team decided instead to gift support to our wider community including this donation of £2,000 to this key New Forest organisation. New Forest Escapes are always looking for meaningful ways to give back, and we hope this donation makes a difference to many who have fallen into financial difficulties. We also hope that this is the beginning of an ongoing relationship with New Forest Basics Bank with some of our team interested in volunteering.”
Hilary Tudor, Operations Manager and Trustee at New Forest Basics Bank, comments: “This contribution from New Forest Escapes is very welcome. Without donations of food or money the food bank could not function. New Forest Basics Bank appreciates such support at any time of year, but it is of particular importance at Christmas and in the winter months when demand is at its peak. In 2025 the Basics Bank provided 4,405 food parcels to households, feeding 9,772 people. It is a lifeline for people facing hardship in the local area, providing essential support, connecting people with help, and strengthening social solidarity.”
Need in the New Forest
New Forest Basics Bank operates from a building in Cannon Street East car park, Lymington, just round the corner from New Forest Escapes’ office. Providing food and other essentials for families and individuals in need across the New Forest, it currently supports around 90 households every week with demand remaining high due to ongoing cost of living pressures. The New Forest Basics Bank also provides food to six local schools on a weekly basis for breakfast and after school clubs for children who otherwise have not been fed.
Award-winning volunteers
The Basics Bank is entirely run by volunteers and in 2025 the charity received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, one of the UK’s highest honours for volunteer organisations, highlighting its impact in the community. The New Forest Basics Bank is always happy to have new volunteers. The current need is for people who can deliver food parcels in their own vehicles.
For anyone considering volunteering with New Forest Basics Bank click here
The Team at New Forest Escapes
About New Forest Escapes
Nestled amongst stunning coast & countryside, our handpicked collection of luxury holiday cottages in the New Forest lets you live like a local & savour the good life. From azure pools & bubbling hot tubs, to sea views & acres of land… whatever your luxury, you’ll find it in our ‘little black book’ of unique and eclectic holiday homes!
We’re B Corp (recognised for putting people & planet first), 100% independent, and on-hand to help… so, gather your favourite people & get ready for a luxurious New Forest Escape!
A locally owned, independent holiday cottage company:
As a locally owned, independent holiday cottage company we are able to partner with second home owners & investors on an individual and flexible basis. We are always happy to have a no obligation chat, so whether you are buying a holiday home that you can enjoy in the New Forest, or are looking purely for a revenue opportunity, our expert team of locals will work around your availability & requirements to suit.
Call 01590 462005, call in to 23 New Street, Lymington, SO41 9BH or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
