Four challenging drives, each at a different Gloucestershire estate, tested the lucky guns who won the GWCT raffle
In this, the fifth year of the High Four shoots, the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) had again organised a raffle in which the prize was a day spread across four great Cotswold estates. In all, 250 tickets had been sold at £200 apiece, with everything depending on the generosity of individual landowners, each of whom contributed one major drive without charge.
So it was that the Iliffe team assembled at Church Farm, near the village of Yanworth, on the 6,000-acre Stowell Park Estate on a beautiful, cold, November morning. Lord Vestey, the owner and donor, could not be present but after coffee in the barn, with a fire blazing, the riot act was read by head keeper Eddie Graves, a massive figure made more impressive by the fact that he is the holder of an MBE for services to game keeping and that this was his 25th season at Stowell.
OFF TO 40 ACRE
With minimum fuss the team moved off in a convoy of 4x4s to deploy in a valley deep beneath a stand of maize, known as 40 Acre. Frost crunched on the grass as the guns moved into position and the beeches on the hill behind were glowing with the most glorious reds and browns and golds that anyone could remember.
Denne historien er fra November 2017-utgaven av The Field.
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Denne historien er fra November 2017-utgaven av The Field.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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