How would French redlegs, bred and reared in Spain, perform during a Westcountry southwester?
Challacombe shoot, formerly attached to Castle Hill, is now part of a group of shoots run by the Bray Valley Sporting Club. This interesting concept – running an elite syndicate as a club – was explained by one of the founders, Charles Fussell. “We set up the partner shoots of Challacombe and Edgcott about seven or eight years ago as sporting clubs, organised as a company with an independent board. So it is a little different from the traditional syndicate shoot. Angus Barnes, who owns Loyton Lodge where we all stay, is also our man on the ground. Angus is the brains behind the operation. He liaises with the keepers and takes responsibility for designing drives and if we take on new ground, and generally running the shoots. Then he will report back to the board. Members have a fee to join and there are fees depending on how many shoots you attend. The whole structure seems to work very well. You can tell because the central core of the membership all gets to shoot together about three or four times a year and, when we do, we all enjoy it and there is a real party atmosphere.” It was one of these days that The Field was invited to attend, with Editor Jonathan Young showing his mettle.
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Denne historien er fra September 2017-utgaven av The Field.
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Denne historien er fra September 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.
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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