What do footballers, rugby players, cyclists and many country-sports enthusiasts have in common? They are all members of legal sporting associations and wear ‘club colours’ to distinguish themselves, whether in a tie, cap, collar, buttons or coat. Not all the colours are particularly tasteful – and let’s not go near cyclists’ Lycra. Yet none of them seems to get any gip about their attire – except the country-sports fraternity.
One camp, with an increasingly popular view, maintains that the country-sports dress code needs to be shaken up to stop the rest of the community from feeling that there’s a divide between them and us. Traditionally, those taking part in country sports would take time to dress well as a sign of respect to the invitation, or to the landowner and farmers whose land you were crossing that day. Is a group of wellpresented people, either on the shooting or hunting field, really offensive, or do people object to what we stand for, in which case we would ruffle feathers in whatever we are clad?
During the pandemic, The Hunting Office advised packs of hounds to refrain from wearing red coats. It was deemed too antagonistic. Instead, they felt we needed to blend into the countryside and not draw too much attention to ourselves at a time when all of us had to cope with restrictions. It caused a mixed reaction, with some willing to do anything to save their beloved sport any unnecessary repercussions and some furious that, even though they were partaking in a legal activity allowed under Covid guidelines, they were made to feel that they should go ‘underground’.
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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