Bill Tyrwhitt-Drake has made an extraordinary contribution to shooting, both on and off the field, not least as chair of the committee that oversees the Code of Good Shooting Practice and in the management of his glorious home shoot, Bereleigh. This Hampshire estate exemplifies the finest traditions of driven shooting in England, showing the bestquality birds while maintaining the relaxed atmosphere of a family shoot.
Teams lucky enough to take a day may stay in the Georgian elegance of Bereleigh House, hosted by Bill and his wife, Philippa, also a keen shot. We joined them for one of two late-October partridge shoots held each year for family and friends. Guns assembled in front of a crackling fire in the cosy entrance hall and after a cup of coffee and a chance to catch up with old friends, Bill Tyrwhitt-Drake announced the off.
The briefing was clear: “Gentlemen, we will start slowly because they are doing a bit of blanking in. We’re numbering eight and moving up two from the right, all of you know the form; at the end of the drive there is a horn, which I find I hear awfully well. And we are shooting partridges only today, please.” And we set off to the first drive through the beautiful park and rolling Hampshire countryside.
“I love partridge shooting at this time of year, the autumn colours are stunning,” Tyrwhitt-Drake told me on the way. He is a passionate supporter of all fieldsports, delighting in their history, culture and community. “We’ve got the Hursley Hambledon Opening Meet at home next week and the sight of horses and hounds with the backdrop of the woods on the other side of the valley makes a wonderful picture.”
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Strength in Numbers -The success of Britain's growing band of Farmer Clusters shows the value in working together and engaging with the public in the name of conservation, says Gabriel Stone
In a world that leans into gloomy headlines, it's important to wave the flag for a refreshing success story. That's especially the case when it comes to our overburdened farming sector and the wider way in which we manage the landscape. Yes, we: everyone can play a role, not least through one inspirational initiative. Ever since a 2013 pilot project by the GWCT in association with Natural England, Farmer Clusters have mushroomed across Britain. Led by farmers with guidance from expert advisers, today's network of about 125 clusters encourages a cohesively managed, locally tailored, larger-scale approach to conservation work.
Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
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These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays
