I realise this is no ordinary shoot when a butler approaches from beneath the towering ramparts of a magnificent castle to offer a choice of sauces to go with my pre-shoot bacon butty. The Leicestershire fortress has been the seat of successive Dukes of Rutland since the 16th-century, and the lady serving coffee outside the portico entrance – the eye is drawn in equal measure to her immaculate Crow and Jester shooting suit and futuristic, Covid-compliant visor – is none other than Emma, Duchess of Rutland. As her personal assistant and Belvoir shoot sales manager Charlotte Ayliff explains, the first let day of the season was presented with a huge challenge when new Covid regulations came into force just a few days earlier. “Thankfully, BASC were straight onto the case and quickly published a booklet explaining exactly how shoots must comply with the new laws,” Ayliff says, “but we did have to undertake a second risk assessment at the start of the week. I’m delighted to say our track-and-trace documentation is in order and we have put all the necessary procedures in place to keep everyone safe.”
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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
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
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
