RATHER more than a century ago, the correspondence pages of The Field were enlivened by passionate debates about the best breeds of dogs to work with grouse. With the eventual eclipse of the flatcoated retriever these discussions became less heated, but there are still many who have strong views on the subject. I asked a former headkeeper of a Pennine moor for his opinion. He thought for a moment, looked me straight in the eye and answered in broad Yorkshire: “There isn’t one. I’ve witnessed terrific work by almost any breed you can think of, and seen some of the best labradors in the business humiliated by one of my keepers’ spaniels. Regardless of breed, the best dogs are those that are both well trained and used to working with grouse.”
For a labrador that’s practised at picking up pheasants on cold winter days in lowland England, being asked to find a lost grouse on a hot day in deep heather is a real challenge. My keeper friend also pointed out that many of the dogs that accompany guns on driven days early in the season are hopelessly unfit. Working on a grouse moor is testing. The days are long, the temperatures often high, the hills steep, the conditions difficult. It’s hardly surprising that a sofa-lounging labrador from Surrey is going to find things tricky.
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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
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Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays