Adapting to survive - and thrive

Kennel-sharing arrangements are becoming increasingly popular, and are a good way boost both packs’ coffers, discovers Rebecca Jordan

- Rebecca Jordan

OUR world is shrinking. Aside from the hills and moors, every hunting country is plagued by an ever-prevalent outbreak of new-build. If the Government’s housing policy goes any way to help young folk stay close to their roots and feed into the local economy, then all well and good. But this irreversible development is designed for the purpose of our nation as a whole. Hunting communities must therefore adapt if they are to survive.

It’s not a new phenomenon. In the late 18th century Harrow provided some of the best country for the fifth Earl of Berkeley and his hounds, which hunted from the River Severn to Kensington Gardens.

As each season progressed, hounds were kennelled at Berkeley, Broadway, Nettlebed, Gerrards Cross and Cranfield. Then London rapidly grew westwards and the Earl’s hunting boundaries consequentially retreated until his hounds were permanently kennelled – as they are today – next to the castle.

Yet the Berkeley is, two centuries on, still one of the most popular and respected packs in the country with a hard-riding field keeping these hounds up to their work.

Ours is a tough, grounded, diverse and hard-working community. There is no reason, therefore, why we cannot – yet again – come together, look to our strengths and galvanise ourselves for further change to secure longevity.

RETAINING IDENTITY

AMALGAMATION appears to be a dirty word to many in the hunting fraternity. Often it is a last resort, with the many resources each pack could bring to the table dissolved in a political cauldron, resulting in a soured atmosphere.