Obituary: Renowned woodland instructor Paul Brockman
TRIBUTES have been paid to popular and well known woodland instructor Paul Brockman, who has died aged 67.
The recipient of numerous awards including a British Empire Medal in recognition of his contribution to woodland management and nature conservation, Paul worked with pupils at many local primary and secondary schools.
As the eldest of six siblings, Paul was born Gibraltar, where he spent his early years. His family moved to the UK when he was around seven and soon afterwards his parents separated.
Paul and his siblings were subsequently placed in care and sent to Glendalyn, a children’s home in New Milton. The family reunited for a party around 20 years ago – marking the first time they were all together for 30 years.
Paul’s wife Zena said: “He felt relief when he moved to Glendalyn – it was a home and it felt like a family. He was well looked after by Mick and Val, the house parents – they were wonderful.”
After attending Arnewood School, Paul worked at the Golden Produce chicken factory in Lymington and lived in a hostel from the age of 16. He had various jobs before moving into social work and subsequently becoming an educational welfare officer, supporting families to help children attend school regularly.
Music was a huge part of Paul’s life and he played rhythm guitar in several local bands including Komodo Dragon, Rise, Hot Tuna, Kitten’s Got Claws and Rise
He meet Zena when Kitten’s Got Claws were playing at the pub, and persuaded her to go on a date to the Red Shoot Inn, so he could show her where to go for their next gig.
As well as gigging, Paul was a biker and he and Zena travelled to many European countries on a Yamaha Wild Star. Many of the friends they met on their overseas adventures came to England in 2001 when Paul and Zena were married in a medieval-themed celebration at Pennington WI hall.
Zena said: “My mum made all the decorations and Anne Ponting made our medieval outfits. We gave our guests drawings of possible outfits – and everyone who came had to dress up!”
Around 17 years ago Paul decided to follow his passion trained in woodland management at the Midhurst Woodcraft School. Using annual leave to take part in practical days, Paul continued work alongside training until he was fully qualified.
He then approached Hoburne with a plan to manage their woodland site and was offered a job immediately. He developed a wide range of courses that taught nature conservation.
He worked for a decade managing 20 acres of woods at the 100-acre Hoburne Bashley site, but then branched out with his own independent Woodlander Coppice business.
Paul qualified as a bushcraft instructor and was a talented woodworker. His passion for inspiring the next generation led his honour with a British Empire Medal in 2021. He and Zena were invited to a ceremony in Winchester, and they attended a Royal Garden Party in 2022.
In recent years Paul taught woodland management courses to pupils at Priestlands School and Eaglewood, as well as working in several local primary schools. In a tribute Priestlands wrote: “Paul really cared about making a difference to the lives of these young people and would always go above and beyond to support them. He not only made sure they had the best possible experience on his course but also prepared them for life beyond Priestlands.”
Paul and Zena also got involved with the vintage 1930s and ‘40s scene which led them into Lindy Hop dancing. They joined a dance troop taking part in events locally and further afield. Zena said: “Learning to dance opened up a world of wonderfulness – it was a brilliant experience for us.”
Paul continued to build his Woodlander Coppice business in recent years and was preparing to take on an assistant to manage his workload. He died suddenly on 11th March. A funeral has been held.
Zena said: “Paul was so well-thought-of by so many people – I have received so many letters from the schools and organisations he worked with. I don’t think he had any idea of the huge impact he had on people.”
All those who knew Paul are invited to a celebration of his life at New Milton Memorial Centre on Saturday 26th April from 2pm to 5pm. Further details will be announced on Facebook.
