NOT FAR from the pretty town of Lechlade in Gloucestershire, the land, mainly flat and composed of Cotswold brash, tidy hedges and tight field margins, takes on an altogether different appearance. The hedges suddenly become five metres high, sown with all manner of variegated plants such as hawthorn, blackthorn and dog rose, and resemble the colourful headdresses of warriors in an unruly charge in one of those Matabele wars.
So flat is the landscape, much written about by Richard Jefferies in his nature diaries of the 19th century, that miles away in one direction can be seen the Marlborough Downs, and in another, looking west, the pine clump of May Hill, near Newent, an inspiration for the Dymock poets Edward Thomas and Robert Frost. Above may be seen many red kites and the fearsome presence of Hercules aircraft practising out of RAF Brize Norton.
But below, underneath wide, flower-rich field margins, unharvested headlands, abundant hedgerows and beetle banks, a remarkable transformation of ecological stillness has taken place. Since 2017, this has been the grey partridge revival project of George Ponsonby, ranging over 2,000 acres of his own farm and six other farms over which he has the shooting rights. The grey numbers have risen from 17 breeding pairs to 135 in five years, producing a habitat not just for the wild grey partridges but a myriad of other birds and wildlife, resulting in the hope of a couple of days shooting greys and four or five days at wild pheasants.
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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