CCOUNTRYSIDE A M P A I G N S • C O M M E N T • C U L T U R E • C O M M U N I T Y AUTUMN 2016 £3.50 (when sold) ALLIANCE countryside-alliance.org JOIN THE CHELTENHAM CROWD The Open starts with Countryside Day
LADY GUN Victoria Knowles-Lacks is on a mission
UNITY IN THE FIELD Mutual respect between hunting and shooting Annual report Game, setter issue and match Celebrating the sport of shooting The magazine ooff over Setters and Pointers
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-RVHSK7XUQHULQGG PLUS BILL WIGGIN Contents MP on his AUTUMN 2016 love of Herefords
EDITOR’S LETTER
fter a fast-moving and seismic few months in the political A world it’s good to be on the surer ground of our sporting 30 seasons in the lead up to The Festival at www.hurworth-photos.co.uk Amy by Christmas. Sorry to mention the ‘C’ word, of Hunting Photo: but our gift and card collection features on p.12—13 and is a great way to support our È IN THIS ISSUE work into 2017 (and beyond). In addition to buying with us, please NEWS AND CAMPAIGNS will enchant support us in other ways by attending our 4 News 30 The Festival of Hunting exclusive Hamish Mackie exhibition viewing An update from our political team, a new Everything young hunting correspondent Georgie in London (p.34) or one of our big Race Trailblazers gamekeeper scheme and changes Archer could want in a day out Days – Cheltenham (p.11), Aintree and Ffos at Defra 33 BT Broadband Las (p.47) are all in prospect. 11 Cheltenham Countryside Day Plans to connect the fi nal 5 per cent This is also our annual report issue This year it’s Friday (11th) November, 34 Covetable art so please turn to p.9 for our report Armistice Day Sculptor Hamish Mackie talks about his work and accounts. ahead of an exclusive viewing for Countryside Sporting features abound this issue, with FEATURES Alliance members our moorlands providing the backdrop 12 Our Christmas collection 36 Dogs with Jobs to both the Bettie Town Glenprosen Buy our countryside cards and gifts to support Jim Barrington meets Jess and Meg the Enviro Dogs Challenge (p.15) a shoot walk for ramblers our work 39 Game recipe (p.26). We also fi nd out more about the 15 From Sab to Master It’s grouse season, and this recipe won’t disappoint Dess Estate in Aberdeenshire (p.44), and Miles Cooper writes of his journey and his 41 Fishing 4 Schools are grateful to busy lady Gun and shooting thoughts on hunting’s future Big plans for the popular and growing initiative entrepreneur Victoria Knowles-Lacks, 18 The Bettie Town Glen Prosen for youngsters whose charisma is evident on p.48. Challenge 43 Letters Former hunt saboteur Miles Cooper Adrian Blackmore reports from the popular The National Gamekeepers Organisation explains why the Hunting Act must be Angus event and the Police and Crime Commissioner for repealed (p.18), while Catherine Austen 20 With the Heythrop North Yorkshire enjoys a day with the Heythrop (p20) and Catherine Austen describes a fast and furious day 44 Lower Dess Estate Georgie Archer marvels at the ‘show of in the fi eld James Somerville-Meikle visits a sporting haven shows’, the Festival of Hunting (p.30). 23 Herefords for a Herefordshire MP in Aberdeenshire Elsewhere we feature Bill Wiggin Bill Wiggin MP describes his love of Hereford cattle 47 Events MP’s love of Hereford cattle (p.23), our 26 An educational ramble Cheltenham, Aintree, Ffos Las Race Days, and former chairman John Jackson writes A moorland ‘keeper invites some ramblers to the nominate now in the Rural Oscars of his smallholding (p28), BT outlines moor, with positive results 48 My Countryside its broadband plans (p.33), and Jim 28 Farmer JJ Victoria Knowles-Lacks is giving it both barrels to Barrington’s ‘Dogs with jobs’ strand Former Countryside Alliance chairman John get ladies into shooting explores how dogs are being used to sniff Jackson’s book A Little Piece of England out dry rot (p.36). A grouse recipe, Fishing 4 Schools 24-hour Countryside Alliance Fax Countryside Alliance update, letters and events complete the legal hotline Ireland 020 7793 8484 magazine is published 0871 919 3505 [email protected] four times a year issue. I wish you a sporting season. Chairman 02892 639911 Website on behalf of Simon Hart MP Insurance hotline countryside-alliance.org the Countryside 0871 919 9172 Scottish Countryside Alliance by BPG Media Chief Executive Alliance Email 01476 859849 Tim Bonner Campaigns infosca@scottishcountry info@countryside- www.bpgmedia.co.uk 020 7840 9250 sidealliance.org alliance.org Jill Grieve, Editor EditorJill Grieve 0131 335 0200 Events and Advertising
Glenprosen by Rebecca Gouturbe - www.rebeccagoutorbe.co.uk Rebecca by Glenprosen Follow me on Twitter @CAjilly Publisher fundraising By post Charlie Coups BPG Media 020 7840 9298 Countryside Alliance, Bethan Watson 1 Spring Mews c.coups@bpgmedia. Membership hotline PR and media Tinworth Street co.uk 020 7840 9300 020 7840 9220 London SE11 5AN 01476 859838 Cover photo: Cover
www.countryside-alliance.org.uk AUTUMN 2016 l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE 3
1HZV0&1)LQGG È MORE NEWS Sign up for our regular Grass e-route newsletter: www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/grass-e-route
ReviewRound-up of the stories that matter to you
POLITICS Welcome from our Working hard Chief Executive We are living in interesting times, on your behalf where we are assured that ‘Brexit means The political team updates you on the many Brexit’ but don’t issues facing the countryside at the moment necessarily know what that means. The EU referendum may have sporting purposes, and we will be In this limbo phase disturbed the political landscape, working closely with the Department the Countryside Alliance is working to but we remain focused on the issues in these processes. We are also ensure that the voice of rural Britain that matter and are using every expecting the outcome of a review continues to be heard, especially on opportunity at Westminster and into dog breeding legislation. shooting and conservation. the devolved administrations to The Environment, Food and The opportunities Brexit may bring to defend and promote the interests of Rural Affairs Select Committee has the UK are numerous, and broader issues rural communities. concluded its inquiry into animal on which we have campaigned, including The Government’s Policing and welfare and is expected to report honest food labelling and a cut in VAT Crime Bill is now being considered in October. This has included an on home improvements, may be a step by the House of Lords and we examination of the RSPCA’s role in closer in time. Meantime, I encourage are hopeful that some of the enforcement of animal welfare laws. everyone, as I always will, to buy British improvements to fi rearms law, We have highlighted the potential and support our farmers. It is a period of proposed by Geoffrey Clifton- confl ict of interest between the uncertainty for them and we must show Brown MP in the Commons, will be Society’s charitable, campaigning, them that we are right behind them. taken forward by the Government. investigatory and prosecution We are also hopeful that the new roles, and are hopeful that this will “‘Brexit means Brexit’ Ministerial team in the Home Offi ce be refl ected in the Committee’s will reconsider the proposal by Sir recommendations. The Committee but we don’t necessarily Edward Garnier MP to make it easier is also looking into rural tourism and know what that means’. for police offi cers to remove face forestry management and we will be coverings from protestors. highlighting the role and importance We have a busy autumn ahead with Defra are expected to review of country sports in these two areas. party conferences, fundraisers, our Rural a number of important codes of We have submitted evidence to the Oscars and much more. I thank you for practice including the welfare of Environmental Audit Committee’s your continued support and remind dogs, and gamebirds reared for inquiry into the future of the you that the Countryside Alliance will natural environment after the EU be celebrating 20 years of operation in referendum and will be working 2017. We will be marking that anniversary closely with Defra and the new and will be asking you to contribute in Department for Exiting the EU to various ways. set out the rural issues that must At the time of going to press, the be considered during the exit sad news has been reported that our negotiations. vice president, His Grace the Duke of This autumn we will once again be Westminster, has passed away aged attending the main party conferences. only 64. A stalwart of our organisation Our meetings at the conferences will in good times and bad, he has long been be on digital exclusion and panelists renowned as a passionate countryman, will outline what needs to be done and we send our very best wishes to his to promote internet skills in the family and friends. We will remember countryside. At the Conservative Party him more fully in a future issue. Conference, we will also be asking a Tim Bonner second group of panelists to consider Chief Executive whether the BBC delivers for the Follow Tim on Twitter countryside. Plenty to look forward to. @CA_TimB
4 COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE l AUTUMN 2016 www.countryside-alliance.org.uk
1HZV0&1)LQGG OUR ANNUAL REPORT, ACCOUNTS AND BALLOT FORM ARE IN THIS ISSUE, TURN TO P9
SHOOTING The Quarter OUR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE Securing the future PAST THREE MONTHS of gamekeeping JUNE OOlympic Gold medal cyclist turned jockey A Countryside Alliance proposal for Victoria Pendleton won the charity race at a new gamekeeping qualifi cation has shooting that we have a high quality our Newmarket Countryside Race Day. Newly been approved by the Department apprenticeship to help young people elected police and crime commissioner for of Business, Industry and Skills get their start. Getting involved in Kent, Matthew Scott, announced a £39,000 (BIS) and we are setting up a this trailblazer group is a way for of new funding to address the backlog in ‘trailblazer’ group to work with other employers to ensure that the new fi rearms licensing. Open Farm Sunday was organisations and employers to apprenticeship refl ects the skills a national success as farms throughout the develop an apprenticeship course for they want their gamekeepers to country opened their gates to the public. new underkeepers. The proposal was have. There are some really exciting supported by 20 shooting estates. opportunities to direct funding The Alliance acted after towards the training we feel trainees learning the current system of really need.” apprenticeships will end in 2020, We are now calling on anyone who with no guarantee that gamekeeping would like to join the underkeeper’s programmes will be part of the new trailblazer group and support system of qualifi cations. the development of this crucial Countryside Alliance head of qualifi cation to get in touch. If your shooting campaigns Liam Stokes, shoot or organisation would like a former lecturer in gamekeeping, to be involved email liam-stokes@ said: “It is vital for the future of countryside-alliance.org
JULY SHOOTING OA new brochure, ‘The value of grouse moor management’, was produced by us in New season shooting badges and conjunction with the NGO to publicise the importance of heather moorland managed sweepstake cards now available for grouse shooting. The brochure boosted a live display at the Great Yorkshire Show. This season’s shooting badges are THE VALUE OF Casting for Recovery UK GROUSE MOOR available now, this year in a dark MANAGEMENT blue. The badges are available in two & Ireland, The Countryside types – the £100 season badge in Alliance Foundation’s fl y solid colour, and the £15 supporter fi shing project for ladies withh badge in camoufl age. Our new breast cancer, returned to season sweepstake card takes up Kimbridge on the Test the colour scheme with illustrations in Hampshire. of game birds by Ben Hoskyns. AUGUST The badges and sweepstake cards are once again brought to you by THE OThe Countryside Alliance COUNTRYSIDE Pol Roger Champagne and a bottle ALLIANCE Foundation’s Fishing 4 Schools will be sent to all who raise £1,000 (F4S) project and Hadlow College for the campaign and every £1,000 in Kent received a £5,000 grant from the thereafter. To order your badges and Angling Trust to improve facilities for disabled sweepstake cards please visit www. fi shers and train young instructors at the countryside-alliance.org or contact college’s Grove Farm Fishery. Also this month, caroline-brough@countryside- 2016 / 2017 the Countryside Alliance attended the fi rst SUPPORTERS BADGE alliance.org or 0207 840 9298. ever Countryfi le Live, which took place at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.
www.countryside-alliance.org.uk AUTUMN 2016 l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE 5
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www.countryside-alliance.org.uk AUTUMN 2016 l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE 7
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p08_CA_Aut16.indd 8 26/08/2016 15:08 The voice of the countryside
2015 ANNUAL REPORT
The Annual General Meeting of the approve our accounts. Completed ballots You will need your membership number Countryside Alliance will take place must be returned to the Independent which is on your membership card, on on Tuesday October 18 at 11am in the Scrutineer, Electoral Reform Services, the polywrap enclosing this mailing or via Gascoigne Suite, the Union Jack Club, London, N81 1ER by Midnight on our membership team on 0207 840 9300. Sandell Street, London, SE1 8UJ. October 7, 2016. You can vote online at Further, this report includes profi les of This report contains instructions and www.ersvotes.com/ca16 and this will two new board members who have been postal ballot forms by which you may close at the same time as the postal ballot. elected unopposed.
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD (P2) EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (P3) FINANCIAL INFORMATION (P4) BOARD PROFILES (P5)
Annual Report JH2 WP.indd I 26/08/2016 15:48 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Simon Hart MP thanks his colleagues for their loyal and staunch support and touches on how the digital age is infl uencing the work of the Countryside Alliance
from 2003 until 2010, I look forward to LIST OF BOARD MEMBERS renewing that partnership with him on IN 2015 our diverse campaigning, fundraising and membership ventures. I also thank our President Baroness Mallalieu QC President, Baroness Mallalieu, for her loyal Vice President Baroness Golding and staunch support of our work come Vice President Duke of Westminster what may. KG CB CVO OBE TD CD DL Working on our core campaigns is now done rather differently to previous Chairman Simon Hart MP years. In a digital age much of our Deputy Chairman Lord Mancroft campaigning, engagement and reach is Chief Executive Tim Bonner online, meaning we have restructured our staffi ng in order both to save funds Elected: Tim Vestey and to deploy resources where they Jamie Foster aving taken on the role can do most good. We have also moved Johnnie Arkwright of Chairman in October into more practical premises in Vauxhall, Lizzie Pinney 2015 my fi rst duty is to leaving the Old Town Hall after 18 thank Lord Mancroft and action-packed years. Appointed: David Harrel Kate Hoey MP who have Championing those who love the Charles McVeigh Hboth undertaken this post with great countryside, regardless of age and Bill Tyrwhitt-Drake energy over the last few years. I am location, remains our mission and as we Guy Portwin also very grateful to Sir Barney White- further develop our digital offering, with Paul Dunn Spunner for guiding the organisation the ability to analyse who our members through his term of offi ce. Barney are, what you enjoy and what you want, TCAF Chairman Nick Bannister stepped down as Executive Chairman in we will be even better placed to serve the autumn and a new Chief Executive, your needs. former Campaigns head Tim Bonner, took charge. Having worked closely SIMON HART MP with Tim when I was Chief Executive Chairman
II COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE l ANNUAL REPORT www.countryside-alliance.org
Annual Report JH2 WP.indd II 26/08/2016 15:49 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 by Emma Edgar by Photography: Photography: CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT Tim Bonner believes we have every reason to feel optimistic that we are now communicating with an ever wider group of people.
have been proud to work for who hate us, those who have never even Simon Hart MP, Kate Hoey MP, heard of us and those in political and Lord Mancroft and Sir Barney media spheres who can help advance White-Spunner as they led the our work. The way to engage broadly Countryside Alliance to this point, is now not just through the traditional andI look forward to working with media (although this magazine remains Simon and with our President, Baroness a popular membership benefi t), but also Mallalieu, in these exciting, challenging online. Our website and social media but overall optimistic times. are an important shop window while The Alliance always walks a line our e-campaigns can engage many times between the old and the new. We stand the numbers we would have hoped for for the future of rural communities, for a decade ago while trying to make our tradition and for heritage, but we are also voices heard. aware that to survive we must adapt and We have every reason to feel optimistic embrace new ways of operating. that we are now communicating with We will always stand up for the rural an ever wider group of people. I thank way of life but are also incredibly proud you for your support thus far and of our charitable projects such as Casting welcome our new members. This is your for Recovery and Fishing for Schools. The organisation. Always feel free to tell us Rural Oscars had their tenth anniversary what you think we should be doing and I in 2015 while we are also well known look forward to continuing to work hard for our vital work such as on broadband on your behalf. and digital engagement. All of these issues, every piece of the rural jigsaw, need us TIM BONNER to engage with those who love us, those Chief Executive
www.countryside-alliance.org ANNUAL REPORT l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE III
Annual Report JH2 WP.indd III 26/08/2016 15:49 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Summary Income and Expenditure Accounts, Balance Sheet and Cashfl ow Statement for 2015. A full set of the fi nancial statements including the auditor’s report are presented on our website at www.countryside–alliance.org
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT CASHFLOW STATEMENT for the year ended 31 December 2015 for the year ended 31 December 2015
2015 (£) 2014 (£) 2015 (£) 2014 (£) Income Reconciliation of operating surplus / (defi cit) to net cash infl ow Subscriptions 3,230,267 3,260,367 from operating activities Fundraising 1,090,198 1,070,692 Operating surplus / (defi cit) 105,375 (2,797) Donations 243,732 425,625 Investments and servicing of fi nance 30,172 36,383 TOTAL 4,564,197 4,756,684 Waiver of loan - (120,000) Expenditure Depreciation charges 26,501 22,141 Campaigning expenditure 2,680,989 2,739,547 (Increase) in inventory (7,284) (2,893) Administration and fi nance 386,859 390,357 Decrease / (increase) in receivables 306,217 (18,257) Fundraising and commercial expenditure 430,747 479,580 (Decrease) / increase in payables (674) 16,648 Membership and insurance benefi ts 960,227 1,149,997 Net cash infl ow / (outfl ow) from 460,307 (68,775) TOTAL 4,458,822 4,759,481 operating activities Surplus for the year 105,375 (2,797) CASHFLOW STATEMENT Net cash infl ow / (outfl ow) from 460,307 (68,775) operating activities STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION Returns on investments and servicing at 31 December 2015 of fi nance Interest paid (30,172) (36,382) 2015 (£) 2014 (£) Capital expenditure Non-current assets Payment to acquire tangible fi xed assets (49,688) (21,756) Property, plant and equipment 65,997 42,810 Financing Investments 5,100 5,100 (Decrease) in loans (16,000) (23,000) 71,097 47,910 Increase / (decrease) in cash in year 364,447 (149,913) Current assets Reconciliation of net cash fl ow to Inventories 19,046 11,762 movement in net debt Trade and other receivables 296,664 602,881 Increase / (decrease) in cash in year 364,447 (149,913) Cash and cash equivalents 622,703 258,256 Non-cash transactions - 120,000 938,413 872,899 Cash fl ows from fi nancing 16,000 23,000 Current liabilities (955,166) (869,185) Net debt at 1 January 2015 (532,744) (525,831) Net current (liabilities) / assets (16,753) 3,714 Net debt as at 31 December 2015 (152,297) (532,744) Total assets less current (liabilities) 54,344 51,624 Non-current liabilities 297,300 399,955 Analysis of changes in net debt Income & expenditure account (242,956) (348,331) At 31/12/2014 Cash fl ow Non-cash At 31/12/2015 54,344 51,624 Cash at bank & in hand 258,256 364,447 - 622,703 Loans due within one year (415,000) 15,000 (100,000) (500,000) Loans due after one year (376,000) 1,000 100,000 (275,000) Net debt (532,744) 380,447 - (152,297)
IV COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE l ANNUAL REPORT www.countryside-alliance.org
Annual Report JH2 WP.indd IV 26/08/2016 15:49 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Verity Johnson Photography - www.verityjohnson.co.uk Johnson Photography Verity Photo: Photo: BOARD ELECTION PROFILES Two new board members, Richard Fry and Andrew Ogg, met the qualifying requirements and as such have been elected unopposed.
ANDREW OGG, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE RICHARD FRY, DORSET
Andrew is a whipper-in, trail-layer and Richard is a subscriber to the Blackmore treasurer of the East Lincs Bassets. & Sparkford Vale Hunt and hunts on a He hunts mounted with several regular basis. He previously hunted with Lincolnshire/Midlands packs and is also the Cattistock Hunt and has hunted a member of a local rifl e-range, shooting continuously for over 30 years along in large- and small-bore competitions. with his wife and four children. As well as Other interests include military history hunting, Richard stalks in Scotland and ran and astronomy. a pheasant shoot on his Dorset land. He Andrew has been a Countryside farms 400 acres, mainly beef cattle. Part Alliance Member since 1983 and is a of the farm is organic and entered into former committee member of North & Mid Lincolnshire and the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme. He is involved in National South Lincolnshire Committees. As a volunteer he helped on Hunt racing as a Director of Harry Fry Racing Ltd and owner of show stands; talked to TV and press media and commented on racehorses under rules and point-to-point racing. Richard is also accounting and charity law issues. the owner of several eventers ridden by daughter Rosie Fry. A self-employed chartered accountant, Andrew works with Also a member of the CLA and GWCT amongst other a wide range of rural clients. He has a zoology degree from organisations, Richard has been Chairman of the Dorset and Durham University and qualifi ed as a chartered accountant in South West Wilts Committee since 2010 but has been involved 1992 with subsequent experience in business and practice. with the Alliance for over 20 years. As Chairman of the CA Andrew is a former member of his village Parish Council and point-to-point at Badbury Rings for several years, he raised an has worked for Vote OK at constituency level from 2005 and as average of £20,000 each year. Richard has also helped raise director for Lincolnshire from 2014. considerable sums for the Alliance by chairing the committees for our Present Finder Ball and Minterne Midsummer Blast. In 2014 Richard was awarded the Goodson-Wickes Trophy for services to the Countryside Alliance.
www.countryside-alliance.org ANNUAL REPORT l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE V
Annual Report JH2 WP.indd V 26/08/2016 15:49 To vote online please go to To vote online please go to www.ersvotes.com/ca16 www.ersvotes.com/ca16 POSTAL BALLOT POSTAL BALLOT AND PROXY AND PROXY
I (please print) ...... I (please print) ...... hereby case my vote or appoint the Chairman as my proxy hereby case my vote or appoint the Chairman as my proxy to cast my vote at the Annual General Meeting of the to cast my vote at the Annual General Meeting of the Countryside Alliance to be held at 11am on October 18 in Countryside Alliance to be held at 11am on October 18 in the Gascoigne Suite, the Union Jack Club, Sandell Street, the Gascoigne Suite, the Union Jack Club, Sandell Street, London, SE1 8UJ. London, SE1 8UJ. (Please vote by marking with a cross (X) in the box below) (Please vote by marking with a cross (X) in the box below)
To approve the Report and Accounts of the To approve the Report and Accounts of the Countryside Alliance for the year ended 31st Countryside Alliance for the year ended 31st 11December 2015. December 2015. ApproveDisapproveProxy Approve Disapprove Proxy
To appoint Messrs Saffery Champness of Red To appoint Messrs Saffery Champness of Red Lion Street, London, WC1R 4GB as Auditors of the Lion Street, London, WC1R 4GB as Auditors of the 22Countryside Alliance Countryside Alliance ApproveDisapproveProxy Approve Disapprove Proxy
Signature ...... Signature ......
Date ...... Date ...... Membership Number Membership Number
COMPLETED BALLOTS MUST BE RETURNED TO: THE COMPLETED BALLOTS MUST BE RETURNED TO: THE INDEPENDENT SCRUTINEER, ELECTORAL REFORM SERVICES, INDEPENDENT SCRUTINEER, ELECTORAL REFORM SERVICES, LONDON, N81 1ER BY MIDNIGHT ON OCTOBER 7 2016. LONDON, N81 1ER BY MIDNIGHT ON OCTOBER 7 2016.
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Annual Report JH2 WP.indd VI 26/08/2016 15:49 POLITICS New faces at Defra David Cameron’s resignation in and Rural Affairs (Defra). Mrs Lord Gardiner July was immediately followed by the Leadsom was elected for South of Kimble, Deputy Queen appointing Theresa May MP Northamptonshire in 2010 and Chief Executive of as Prime Minister. Mrs May wasted has publicly stated her support the Countryside no time in making major changes for country sports. She was a key Alliance until 2010 New Environment to the Government, including the Brexiteer and was one of the last and most recently Secretary Andrea almost immediate removal of George two candidates for the Conservative Defra spokesman Leadsom Osborne MP as Chancellor who has Party leadership but stepped down, in the Lords has been replaced by Philip Hammond resulting in Theresa May being been promoted to Parliamentary MP. Boris Johnson MP has been elected uncontested. She is strongly Under Secretary of State at Defra. appointed Foreign Secretary and against onshore wind farms and HS2. He will be responsible for all DEFRA Amber Rudd MP moves to the Therese Coffey, MP for Suffolk business in the House of Lords in Home Offi ce. Coastal since 2010, has been addition to animal welfare biosecurity After two years at Defra, Liz Truss appointed Parliamentary Under strategy, commercial projects, MP has become Secretary of State Secretary of State. She will be landscape and climate change for Justice and Lord Chancellor. responsible for hunting and shooting adaption. Andrea Leadsom MP has been as well as water and fl ooding. George The Countryside Alliance’s political appointed as the new Secretary Eustice MP remains as Defra Minister team looks forward to continuing to of State for Environment, Food of State, in charge of farming. work closely with the Department. Countryside comes to life at the Welsh Assembly Assembly Members and guests were cross party support the day showcased treated to a day in the countryside in the Countryside Alliance’s campaigns late June as the Countryside Alliance from digital communication to rural showcased some of its campaigns in services, rural communities, food and Charlton House catering who served up the heart of the Senedd. The event farming and wildlife management. It roe deer and Thai rabbit with coconut was sponsored by Assembly Members also featured the Countryside Alliance’s curry which was enjoyed by all. Andrew R T Davies, Leader of the campaign opposing open access to The Countryside Alliance Foundation Welsh Conservatives; Llyr Gruffydd, land and water whilst fully supporting was also well represented by Casting for Plaid Cymru; David Rees, Labour; improved access for the health and Recovery UK & Ireland, the fl y fi shing Kirsty Williams, Liberal Democrats and well-being of the nation. therapy project for ladies with breast Neil Hamilton of UKIP. With important Assembly Members were able to cancer, as well as Fishing for Schools, meet exhibitors who work with the which was hosted at the Assembly Countryside Alliance on the many cross by the pupils of Mounton House, party groups of which we are members, Monmouthshire. including the Deer Initiative, the GWCT Rachel Evans, CA Director for and the NGO. The Countryside Alliance Wales said: “This has been a fantastic was also joined by Sir Gareth Edwards opportunity to engage with so many to launch “Shooting in Wales – for Assembly Members and tell them Countryside and Community” which about some of the key issues facing the demonstrates the value that shooting countryside. One in three people live in brings in terms of conservation, a rural area and it is important that their well-being and its contribution to the voice is heard at the Assembly. I very economy in Wales, which is in excess of much look forward to working with all £74 million. Guests were also treated the Assembly Members to promote our Rachel is pictured with Sir Gareth Edwards to a sumptuous Game to Eat cooking countryside and rising to the challenges launching “Shooting in Wales” demonstration by Jason Lloyd of that I am sure will be presented to us.”
www.countryside-alliance.org.uk AUTUMN 2016 l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE 9
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6DPXHO:LQGVRUBLQGG FEATURE CHELTENHAM COUNTRYSIDE DAY Ready for the Cheltenham roar! È Put Friday, November 11 in your diary, our popular Cheltenham Countryside Day will be http://www.sarahfarnsworth.co.uk
better than ever this year. Photo:
he popular Countryside raising £59,000 for Equestrian Team Country Chase over the twists and turns Day at Cheltenham on Great Britain ahead of the Rio Olympics of Cheltenham’s unique cross country Friday, November 11, will, and Paralympics and over £100,000 for course. CA members will be able to enjoy as always, raise the curtain The Countryside Alliance Foundation. tea and drinks in our members’ area and Ton the three day Open Meeting and the Race-goers were treated to a we will also be selling our popular jumps season itself. In 2016, the day will unique demonstration as racing met Christmas cards and gifts as Christmas raise funds for the Countryside Alliance dressage, when AP McCoy took the shopping gets underway in earnest. Our (CA) and the Injured Jockeys Fund. Gates reins of the Grand Prix dressage horse lunch and auction has already sold out, will open at 10:30am with the fi rst race Barolo, under the careful tutelage of with some incredible lots hoping to at 1:05pm, and everyone attending is (now double) Olympic champion raise valuable funds for the CA and the reminded that the Armistice Day silence Charlotte Dujardin. Further fundraising Injured Jockeys Fund. will be observed at 11am. activities on the day saw eventing The annual CA Morgan prize draw The 2015 event was a record day, athletes Tina Cook, Izzy Taylor and Kitty will take place on the day, with one King ride out onto the course as part lucky ticket buyer winning a classic car of the Hound Parade, with a number – worth £32,000 – built to their own of auctions and fundraising activities specifi cations. Tickets are still available organised by the CA taking place from the CA website, priced at £50 throughout the day. per ticket www.countryside-alliance.org/ This year, top-class racing, Christmas shop/morgan-prize-draw O shopping, the spine-tingling hound parade, the stallion parade and a silent auction will all be part of the fun on the For tickets to the Countryside day. Local hunts will parade on the course Day, go to Cheltenham after the second race and there will be Racecourse’s website Charlotte Dujardin gave AP six high-quality races. The feature event www.cheltenham.co.uk McCoy a dressage lesson in 2015 will be, as ever, the Glenfarclas Cross http://www.sarahfarnsworth.co.uk http://www.sarahfarnsworth.co.uk Photo: Photo:
www.countryside-alliance.org.uk AUTUMN 2016 l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE 11
&KHOWHQKDP5*0.-+LQGG FEATURE All of these products are found at CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SHOP.COUNTRYSIDE-ALLIANCE.ORG Christmas cards 1 ‘His Old Demesne’ by Sir Alfred Munnings Shop with the Pack of 10 Christmas cards depicting a gentlemen and two ladies taking a break whilst out hunting. A lovely scene of yesteryear. Countryside Alliance Text: ‘With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year’ Card width x height – 8.25" x 5.9" £6.98 this Christmas 2 ‘Supper on the Sledge’ by Jonathon Walker È The Countryside Alliance’s Pack of 10 illustrated Christmas cards 1 depicting a fox carrying his goose Christmas card and gift collection supper on a sledge. Text: ‘With Best Wishes for Christmas is now available so please show and the New Year’ your support this festive season... Card width x height – 6.1" x 4.3" £4.99
2 3 ‘Winter Flush’ by John Trickett Pack of 10 Christmas cards depicting a beautiful scene of a woodcock and spaniel in the snow. Text: ‘With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year’ Card width x height – 6" x 8.25" 3 £6.98 4 ‘Huntsman and Hounds in the Snow’ by Katie Scorgie Pack of 10 Christmas cards depicting a huntsman and his hounds in the snow – 4 a wonderful hand-painted scene. Text: ‘With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year’ Card width x height – 6.5" x 4.7" £5.99
5 ‘Cock Up!’ by John Trickett Pack of 10 Christmas cards depicting a cock pheasant breaking cover in the snow. Text: ‘With Best Wishes for Christmas 5 and the New Year’ Card width x height – 4.7" x 6.5" £5.99 6 6 ‘Frosty Whiskers’ by Annabel Pope Pack of 10 Christmas cards with illustrations of a brown hare in the snow. Text: ‘With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year’ Card width x height – 4.7" x 6.5" £6.98 7 ‘Toutes Directions’ by Imogen Mann Pack of 10 Christmas cards of six delicately painted geese. Text: ‘With Best Wishes for Christmas 8 and the New Year’ Card width x height – 6.5" x 4.7" £5.99 8 ‘Rough with the Smooth’ by Debbie Harris Pack of 10 Christmas cards with two beautifully painted hounds. Text: ‘With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year’ 7 Card width x height – 5.1" x 5.1" £4.99
12 COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE l AUTUMN 2016 www.countryside-alliance.org.uk
B&KULVWPDV0&0.LQGG 10 FEATURE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
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All of these products are found at SHOP.COUNTRYSIDE-ALLIANCE.ORG A selection of just some of our shop products 9 Large Heritage leather and great stocking fi ller for Christmas morning. ties are excellent quality and will survive tweed handbag in lavender Available in pink, red, purple and blue. the rigours of a sporting life, whether that We have termed this a “large” handbag £9.95 be a day’s hunting, shooting or a dinner and they are particularly useful for those party. Available in navy, green, maroon 12 ladies who like to fi t just that little bit more Adult hunting tube socks and black. in their bag! Covered in either pine or Adult tube hunting socks in a green and £29.99 lavender tweed alongside the leather, this is red design. the perfect design for ladies who love the 24" sock to fi t UK childs 12–adult 8, 15 Children’s pyjamas British countryside. The bag features a large EU 32–42 These cotton kids pyjamas feature a cartoon central compartment, internal zip pocket, £5.95 design by Sam Morris, a UK artist who mobile phone pocket, and has an additional specialises in cow art ranging from serious 13 shoulder strap. Available in lavender or pine. China mug with hound commissions to something a bit more quirky Dimensions – H: 34cm, W: 28cm, D: 14cm by Debbie Harris like these cows jumping over the moon! These bespoke British-made bone china £79.99 Available in both blue stripe and pink stripe, mugs are a great Christmas present and this is an ideal present for boys and girls. 10 available with all three of our countryside Hunt map by George Butler Available in 6–12 months, 1–2 years, 2–3 years, This beautifully illustrated A2-sized artists designs. Debbie is well known for her 3–4 years, 4–5 years and 5–6 years. map shows the country of the UK’s fox ability to bring to life the character of the £14.95 hunting and staghound packs. It has been hounds in her art. These mugs are a great Christmas present and available with all commissioned by the Countryside Alliance 16 for the wonderfully talented young artist three of our countryside artist’s designs. Heritage leather and tweed and illustrator George Butler. To view more Single mug: £9.95 holdall in brunswick talented work by George Butler, visit his Four mugs: £29.75 A luxury tweed and leather holdall with website: www.georgebutler.org a quirky fox print lining. This bag features Signed: £70 14 Countryside Alliance green one internal zipped pocket, one internal Unsigned: £50 silk tie open pocket, a zipped outer pocket, and The iconic Countryside Alliance ties. The comes with a dust bag and shoulder strap. 11 Blue horse watch design of which has remained a constant Available in Brunswick or Pine. This delightful blue watch features a fun symbol of the organisation throughout Dimensions – L: 26cm, W: 51cm, H: 30cm horse head illustration and would make a the decades. Made from pure silk these £179.95
www.countryside-alliance.org.uk AUTUMN 2016 l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE 13
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p14_CA_Aut16.indd 14 30/08/2016 10:17 FEATURE HUNTING
Stop misleading the public on hunting
In his second piece for the Countryside Alliance magazine, Miles out with a Welsh È Gun pack to gain former hunt saboteur MILES COOPER has several choice fi rst-hand experience. words for the anti-hunting brigade.
n the interview From Hunt Sab hounds or dogs as a method of control does to Hunt Master published in the assist when balancing farming interests Summer 2016 issue, I stated my against the competing impacts of wild belief that the Hunting Act must be mammal populations. Different methods Irepealed and replaced with legislation and a have comparative strengths under differing wider statutory framework which protects circumstances. Farmers and land managers, all wild mammals from acts of unnecessary and not the anti-hunt political organisations, suffering. I also outlined that this are undoubtedly best placed when deciding regulatory approach should incorporate which method is most appropriate on the full range of lethal control methods their own land. Anti-hunting organisations’ currently available enabling farmers, contribution is to insist that one method, landowners and countryside managers hunting with hounds, is in every to make management decisions informed circumstance the worst option. How they by conservation, business and welfare come to this conclusion I have no idea: it considerations. This approach, I explained, is not a view supported by wider peer- would provide the country’s land managers reviewed scientifi c research, or by inquiries and associated businesses with an evidence- or hearings into hunting such as the Burns based, transparent and equitable legislative Inquiry (2000) or the Portcullis Public framework: a framework which could enjoy Consultation Hearings (2002). the confi dence of practitioners, the public I am certain that the overwhelming and parliament. majority of ‘anti-hunting opinion’, which is Importantly, this approach would sweep actively fermented by the League Against away the Hunting Act, which in the course Cruel Sports (LACS) and other groups, starts of a decade has increasingly come to be out in members of the public as a genuine seen as based upon prejudice not principle and sincere concern that wild animals and political expedience over proper should not be treated cruelly. On this point, scientifi c evidence. This approach could no right-thinking person could disagree. also provide an opportunity to undertake a Nonetheless, the anti-hunting organisations wider review and reappraisal of wildlife and claim to ‘represent’ public opinion, and the concerns, views and aspirations of ‘the countryside legislation. present their campaigns as socially or enemy’, to disregard and to sneer at the It is important to get a few basic ethically advancing or even that they contribution hunting people make to their points set straight. The Hunting Act did contribute to the construction of a more communities, the countryside, the country’s not ban hunting, it materially altered the modern and caring country. They achieve artistic and cultural heritage and the operating criteria. Hunting with hounds this deception by taking advantage of the economy; it becomes acceptable to write or dogs continues to be legal. Farmers and British public’s genuine concern for animal hate-fi lled posts on social media platforms landowners have, for hundreds of years, welfare through two principle methods. revelling in, and mocking, the death carried out their own hunting activities The public are actively encouraged into of colleagues and children; it is judged jointly with neighbours, or invited other adopting the view that hunting is carried acceptable to undertake covert operations people to bring their hounds/dogs to hunt out by people belonging to a cruel, land- and secretly fi lm ‘the enemy’ without the and kill foxes, hares and deer on their land. owning, social elite and for no other reason agreement or knowledge of the police, the They have done this, and continue to do than to satisfy their lust for blood. That is; courts or the people themselves. Ultimately, so, because they know that hunting with people who are entirely ‘other’ and ‘alien’ it becomes its own moral justifi cation for and who therefore can be misrepresented achieving a political end at any cost and and condemned with not only moral but damn the consequences. Miles Cooper was a also political justifi cation. In the last issue I Of course, a distortion and deception committed hunt saboteur, put forward the view that the politics of the can only be achieved through propaganda but over time growing doubts about the hunt ban anti-hunt movement functions on the basis of clearly defi ning a ‘them’ and an ‘us’: this “THE HUNTING ACT DID argument led him to change NOT BAN HUNTING, IT his position, very publicly. approach allows for clear battle lines to be He is now a Master of drawn; it provides the basis upon which it MATERIALLY ALTERED Bloodhounds based in becomes culturally acceptable, to diminish THE OPERATING CRITERIA. North Yorkshire.
www.countryside-alliance.org.uk AUTUMN 2016 l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE 15
5*0LOHV&RRSHU0.LQGG FEATURE HUNTING
which in turn has to play fast and loose made by the Labour Party while in “THE LACS APPROACH with science in order to generate what opposition that legislation ‘banning’ hunting IS UNPRINCIPLED the anti-hunt organisations like to call would not impact upon shooting’s interests. AND EXPEDIENT...” ‘evidence’. The LACS are especially fond A political necessity which ultimately the of what they term evidence, and how it LACS has not been able to accommodate proves conclusively that hunting with dogs itself to. But let’s remember this is the move by the antis represents a real and is always the worst and that other forms of organisation which has failed to ban substantial threat to the draghound and control are always better. The LACS like to hunting, claims that shooting is preferable, bloodhound packs in the UK. There is talk a lot about ‘evidence’ and how it proves but would like to see it abolished as well historical precedent for this skull-duggery. this, or disproves that. The LACS are so and doesn’t much like snares either which As far back as 1996, the LACS produced a fond of ‘evidence’, I suspect they must keep - you’ve guessed it - they actively campaign document which claimed to be ‘evidence’ it fi rmly under lock and key at LACS HQ, against and want to see banned. The LACS that draghunting was a replacement for since not the faintest hint of an evidential should come clean and adopt a principled foxhunting. The then chairman of the crossed ‘t’ or dotted ‘i’ has ever been stance which we could all at least respect Masters of Draghounds Association, Brian produced by them. The LACS produce a lot for its honesty: that the fox be designated a Stern, was clear in a letter to the LACS at of reports and propaganda (of course they protected species and all forms of control, the time that this claim was motivated do) but they insist on misrepresenting these whether that be dog, gun or snare, should only by their desire to attack foxhunting documents as ‘evidence’ and then ‘sell’ them be banned outright. and was defi nitely not representative of to the public and politicians in much the The anti-hunt groups also like to claim the sports of draghunting or riding to same way that Victorian Travelling Shows that draghunting or riding to bloodhounds bloodhounds. Nothing has changed in sold remedial tinctures and ointments to is an alternative to foxhunting. A year ago, 20 years. the unwary and willing to be convinced. the International Fund for Animal Welfare Legal experts and senior police offi cers Where the LACS continue to fi nd certainty (IFAW) wrote to the Masters of Draghounds are on record as saying that the Hunting perhaps Lord Burns might act as an historic and Bloodhounds Association (MDBA) Act as it stands is a very diffi cult piece of word to the wise: “Naturally, people ask asking for information about how hunting legislation to interpret and apply. whether we’re implying that hunting is days are organised and whether there have Extending it to a ban on trailhunting cruel... The short answer to that question been changes to ways of working over inevitably involves draghunts and is no. There was not suffi cient verifi able the last 10 years. Immediately, it was clear potentially even bloodhound packs. It evidence or data safely to reach views to me on reading the letter that, fi rstly, raises the spectre of the law of unintended about cruelty. It is a complex area.” IFAW did not have the faintest clue about consequences and would pile misery The LACS have been oblivious for too ‘draghunting’ and ‘hunting the clean boot and further confusion upon an already long as to the illogical and unequitable with bloodhounds’ and secondly, that the unmitigated disaster. Who is to interpret inconsistencies created by ‘their’ legislation. letter was nothing more than an attempt to the difference in the fi eld? It’s very easy to For instance, the law allows the use of drive a wedge between the MDBA packs imagine a situation whereby saboteurs or terriers to protect gamebirds being reared and colleagues in the MFHA. It was also an monitors witness a pack of draghounds to be shot for sport, but doesn’t allow attempt to gather information which could or even some of the bloodhound/old terriers to be used to protect lambs being be used to amend the Hunting Act and do english foxhound crosses. Most will not reared for food or to protect hen harriers away with trail hunting. We have seen what able to tell the difference in the fi eld for conservation reasons. Evidence if ever a mess the antis make of legislation. We between hounds hunting a drag or a it was needed that the LACS approach is know that their longer-term aims are hostile human scent and hounds belonging to unprincipled and expedient: the concession to sports which use horses and hounds one of the foxhunts. to protecting gamebirds only being agreed for sporting or recreational pleasure. It is As a current Master of Bloodhounds, my to because of an historic commitment reasonable to surmise, therefore, that this response to LACS’ and IFAW’s connivance is clear, and I am very happy for it to be Miles and Dr Nick Fox during repeated publicly as often as is necessary: the fox shooting study. “Draghunting and hunting the clean boot with bloodhounds are distinct sports in their own rights; they are not alternatives or replacements for foxhunting in much the same way that football is not a replacement for rugby. Yes, there are similarities between the two, but they are very different. Please stop using the sport I love as a means by which to attack another country sport which I support. You don’t have my pack’s interests or my sport’s interests at heart. Furthermore, you do not represent us. In fact, you deliberately misrepresent our sport for your own political ends, so please stop misleading the public and politicians into believing that you have any legitimacy to speak on our behalf.” O
16 COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE l AUTUMN 2016 www.countryside-alliance.org.uk
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%RQKDPVLQGG FEATURE GUNDOGS
A fi eld trial with a difference
È ADRIAN BLACKMORE reports on The English Setter Club’s ‘Bettie Town Glenprosen Challenge’.
aturday, August 13 2016, was a very special day in the history of the English Setter Club, the country’s oldest gundog club runningS under Kennel Club rules. Founded who died in 2013, aged 89. world of fi eld trials and game shooting. The in December 1890, the English Setter Club’s The Pointer Club, the Gordon Setter Field Guns also had experience in shooting over fi rst fi eld trial took place on the Bradfi eld Trial Society, and the Irish Setter Association, setters and pointers, and it was marvellous Estate, Devon, in April 1893 – though it was were each invited to select a team of to see how they were able to be selective another 58 years before its very fi rst grouse six dogs from their respective breeds, to when shooting, picking out the old or weak trials were held at Stanhope in County compete with the English Setter Club, each grouse from each covey – and avoiding the Durham, in 1951. Although fi eld trials are handler being restricted to a maximum of ‘cheepers’, or birds that were not yet fully run as closely as possible to replicate an two dogs. With English, Irish and Gordon grown, of which there were a few with it actual shooting day, they have historically setters and English pointers competing being right at the start of the season. rarely involved the shooting of live game, against each other, the dogs were tested With blue skies and sunshine, there was so there has nearly always been an element not only for steadiness on the wing, but, a real sense of anticipation in the air, and that is missing. However that was not because the grouse were being shot, also having received a briefi ng from Bruce to be the case with the Bettie Town on the fall. Stamina also played a major Cooper, the headkeeper, the Guns joined Glenprosen Challenge. part in the day, as each dog had to run the competitors and spectators and set off This ‘one-off’ fi eld trial was run as a for a minimum of 15 minutes, with some for the hill, the excitement growing as they proper day’s walked-up grouse shooting having to work downwind beats. And that climbed higher and higher up the Glen. with a team of four experienced Guns, one did not include the time taken to pick-up First to run was an English setter and of whom was Robin Batchelor, owner of shot grouse, a task that was expertly carried Gordon setter – and before long the English the Glenprosen Estate. The estate is not out by the estate’s gamekeepers with their setter, running at full pace, slammed onto only an exciting driven grouse shoot, it has dogs. point. The handler positioned the Guns on also been a fl ag bearer for shooting over The judges for the event, Colin Organ and either side of the dog, and everyone held pointers and setters for many years, and Fiona Kirk, have considerable experience their breath as the point was worked out. the home team has a wealth of knowledge with setters and pointers, both in the Suddenly, a covey of grouse burst from and understanding of the sport. It is a magnifi cent mixed sporting estate which “THIS ‘ONE-OFF’ FIELD TRIAL, Gerry Devine’s English straddles the south-eastern boundary of WAS RUN AS A PROPER setter dog Field Trial Champion Ballyellen Cody the Cairngorms National Park in the Angus DAY’S WALKED UP GROUSE Glens, and a superb venue to hold this very SHOOTING WITH A TEAM OF special event in memory of the English FOUR EXPERIENCED GUNS Setter Club’s late president, Bettie Town, SHOOTING GROUSE...”
Adrian Blackmore is Director of Shooting at the Countryside Alliance. County Durham based he is especially knowledgeable about our uplands, moorland management and grouse shooting.
18 COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE l AUTUMN 2016 www.countryside-alliance.org.uk
)LHOG7ULDOV0&0.LQGG FEATURE PARTRIDGES
the heather, shots were fi red, and the fi rst grouse was in the bag. This set the scene for what was to be a very special day, and it was both exhilarating and a real privilege to see the dogs do what they were bred to do, and in such a stunning location. At the end of the day, the overall winners were the English Setter Team; Dom Goutorbe, Gerry Devine and Meryl Asbury, with the top dog being Dom’s Field Trial Champion Upperwood Hera – which also happened to be the Guns’ choice for best The Gun is Robin Batchelor, owner of the Glenprosen Estate. The handler is Dom English setter. The top downwind dog was Goutorbe, captain of the winning English Setter Team with Field Trial Champion Upperwood Hera, the top dog and Guns’ choice from the English Setter Team pointer Fearn Questron. The Guns’ choices for best Gordon setter, Irish setter, and Bettie won this trophy for the last time in pointer were White Paws of Gawcott, Field 2002, aged 78. She also won the Pointer and Trial Champion Coldcoates Rapid Meg, and Setter Champion Stake three times with Frosted Elfi n of Fleetstalk respectively, with Sharnberry English setters. the latter also winning the keepers’ choice. Bettie never missed being out on the Bettie would have loved every moment moors on the Glorious Twelfth, something of this remarkable day and the memories that she continued doing well after Captain that it would have brought back, and it Parlour’s death when the estate was handed is only sad that she couldn’t have been over to his niece Daphne Scott-Harden who, there to enjoy it for herself. At the age of along with her family, are just as passionate 19, Bettie had gone to work as secretary about grouse shooting and dedicated to the to Captain William Parlour at Croft-on- management of the moors as he had been. Tees in North Yorkshire, and it was there The family have been great supporters of that she was introduced to his kennel of pointers and setters over the years and have Sharnberry English setters, and became hosted the Yorkshire Gundog Club’s setter a profi cient shot, shooting grouse over and pointer trials in July every year since them on the Newbiggin & Hunstanworth 1949; a unique achievement.
Estate on the Durham/Northumberland Bettie was a true sportswoman. There of www.rebeccagoutorbe.co.uk kind permission by border. Bettie helped train the setters could have been no more fi tting tribute alongside his keepers, and the fi rst one to this remarkable woman than the
she handled was Field Trial Champion Glenprosen Challenge, and an enormous All photos: Sharnberry Whitestone. He became the top thank you must go to all those who Dom Goutorbe receiving the Guns’ winning English setter in Britain, and won supported this special day, in particular Choice Award from chief steward David the English Setter Challenge Trophy for the Glenprosen Estate for hosting it, and Hall and Glenprosen Estate owner six consecutive years between 1951– 56. making everyone so welcome. O Robin Batchelor
www.countryside-alliance.org.uk AUTUMN 2016 l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE 19
)LHOG7ULDOV0&0.LQGG FEATURE HUNTING Barely time to unscrew a hipflask È CATHERINE AUSTEN recounts a fast and furious day with the Heythrop last season where the respect and unity between hunting and shooting was much in evidence.
here is nothing more thrilling which was bold and a real galloper, yet – for me, at least – than mannered and impeccably balanced. galloping across country on Riding him across country with hounds a good horse with hounds always in sight ahead of us meant I Thunting hard in front of you. It is often was still buzzing from the experience said that a bad day’s hunting is still a good 24 hours later, and had bored nearly day, but a great day’s hunting is something everyone I know about what a brilliant close to heaven. day I had had. The tone was set from the start. A trail Charles Frampton is in his fourth had been laid away from the meet at the season as joint-master and huntsman Landless family’s Hill Farm in Duns Tew, of the Heythrop, and the hounds are Oxfordshire, and the Heythrop hounds hit showing excellent sport. It has taken it off immediately. We left the farmyard at time to develop the pack he wants, but “ASSISTANCE FROM THE a canter and barely had time to unscrew quiet persistence and patience are now HUNTSMAN SHOULD BE THE a hipfl ask for the rest of the day. paying off. LAST RESORT, NOT THE FIRST This part of the Heythrop Monday Anyone who goes hunting with Charles RESORT. ‘THEY LOSE SELF- country is something of a well-kept will notice how little noise he makes, and CONFIDENCE IF YOU INTERFERE secret; it doesn’t attract the large, how little he interferes with his hounds. – RATHER LIKE THE EFFECT OF thrusting fi elds that jostle for position He says: “It is essential to let the hounds A NAGGING WIFE!’” on a Saturday, but it is a fantastic place do as much as possible on their own. to go hunting. Simon Lawrance, who has We have bred them for 300 years to been a Heythrop joint-master since 2008, go hunting – they are specifi cally and we must ensure that they are 150 per gave us a superb lead as fi eld master and carefully designed to do so – so why cent proven in the hunting fi eld.” we jumped our socks off over rails and not let them do it? Assistance from the There is no doubt that in many areas hedges across the Ballards’ land, then hunt huntsman should be the last resort, not of the country the balance of power chairman Mikey Elliot’s farm. After second the fi rst resort. “They lose self-confi dence between hunting and shooting has shifted horses, they found on the Flemings’ if you interfere – rather like the effect of in the decade since the Hunting Act came Barton Abbey and hunted so swiftly to a nagging wife! into force. Wootton that it was nearly impossible to “Good gundog people know exactly “Certainly in the time I have been stay with them. Hunt secretary Guy Avis, what I mean. A good pack of hounds a master, shoots have become more who has hunted with the Heythrop for is well-disciplined, but they need to prolifi c and estates are shot more 50 years, said he could barely remember hunt independently [as a pack] with intensely,” says Simon. a faster hunt. confi dence in their own ability.” And there are lots of hunts that Simon, who has ridden round In the 2015/16 season he hunted a suffer much more than the Heythrop Badminton and Burghley, inspires mixed pack – the doghounds and the do – estates such as Blenheim, Batsford, enormous confi dence in his fi eld; they bitches together – with the slightly Sezincote, Eyford, Swell Wold and Fir trust him, and will follow him over places steadier, hard-working doghounds Farm, to name a few, are welcoming they would not follow a less experienced working well with the sharper, and friendly towards hunting. But there fi eld master. I was riding a lovely, elegant quicker bitches. are others, often with long-established grey horse lent to me by Heather Moodie, The Heythrop is a four-day-a-week pack, historical ties with hunting, to which and Charles says: “The primary reason I access is diffi cult. am now hunting a mixed pack is because “For the future of the countryside, it Equestrian journalist during the shooting season we cannot so important that country sports stand Catherine Austen, who always guarantee two days a week for together,” says Charles. “Hunting is such wrote for Horse & Hound for 11 years, is passionate about both the dogs and the bitches, and if I still a community; shooting less so, because hunting and racing and has hunted them separately the doghounds there tends to be one keeper working hunted all over Britain and would only get one day’s hunting a week in one place, alone, and it is essential to Ireland. Follow Catherine on sometimes. A lot of hunts come to the do all that we can to include them in Twitter @cfausten Heythrop to use our stallion hounds and the broader country sports community.
20 COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE l AUTUMN 2016 www.countryside-alliance.org.uk
+XQWLQJ0&LQGG FEATURE HUNTING .sarahfarnsworth.co.uk Sarah Farnsworth www Farnsworth Sarah Photography:
Communication and respect between both sides is vital; the better both sports work together, the greater the benefi ts to both.” Lee Walker is headkeeper at Blenheim. He says: “I’ve worked on too many estates where there is a ‘them and us’ attitude to hunting. I don’t like that; we should support each other. “As long as it is not the day we are shooting, we’re pretty fl exible about hunting and I like to see the hounds.” The Heythrop organise a keepers’ dinner and a keepers’ clay shoot every year, and Lee says that events like these, An away-day and invitations to hunt events such as At the beginning of February, correspondent at only the third fence. the puppy show, improve relationships the Heythrop hounds visited I rode two excellent horses belonging between hunts and shoots enormously. Leicestershire to hunt the Cottesmore to Ollie and Rachel Finnegan and, “The Heythrop have been great about country, by kind invitation of the despite embarrassing myself by hitting including keepers in events, and I’ve seen Cottesmore masters. A mounted the deck, had a cracker of a day. the relationship between the hunt and fi eld of 157 – huge for a modern It has been really diffi cult to fi nd shoots get much better in the past few mid-week meet – met at Bleak hirelings in Leicestershire in the past years, which is as it should be – after all, House, Knossington, with decade, and Ollie and Rachel, who set we are all in the same boat.” O representatives from at least up their business at Pickwell Manor 12 different packs present. this season, have been welcomed with This is the most famous bit of the open arms. Their horses are turned Cottesmore hunting country, often out immaculately and are guaranteed termed “the playground” for its myriad to go well. This article fi rst appeared in jumping opportunities, and parts of With a heavy frost coming out of Fieldsports magazine and is the day were something akin to riding the ground, the Heythrop hounds reproduced here with kind in the Grand National with three times acquitted themselves extremely well permission. Subscribe at: the number of runners Aintree allows. in diffi cult conditions, and the large www.thesportinglibrary.co.uk/ Ashley Bealby did a fi rst-class job team of visitors returned south at the products/fi eldsports-magazine- as fi eld master and there were dozens end of the day – after a very generous gift-subscription of empty saddles, including your tea – feeling very proud of them.
www.countryside-alliance.org.uk AUTUMN 2016 l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE 21
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CA_Filler.indd 1 30/08/2016 15:06 FEATURE FARMING & POLITICS
Bill with his cherished Political animals: Rural Oscar the MP with a pride in his Herefords È It’s no surprise that North Herefordshire MP BILL WIGGIN is a fan of Hereford cattle, the famous native breed of his rural constituency.
nown for his strong support shed, to making his own hay. magnifi cent breed.” for the countryside and Bill currently has a herd of 20 Hereford Bill recently came third in the Hereford the rural way of life in cattle. They are the most popular breed Cattle Breeders’ Association competition, for Parliament, politics and in the world, and for good reasons. Not the small herds section. “I enjoy showing farmingK have been in Bill Wiggin MP’s only do Herefords convert grass into beef my cattle,” says Bill, “although I don’t expect family for generations. more effi ciently than other breeds, their that other breeders fi nd my efforts at Bill’s father, Sir Jerry Wiggin, was a farmer docile nature and ease of handling made showing cattle very threatening! It is good in Worcestershire before becoming MP them perfect, particularly when the fun though; the comradeship and advice for Weston Super Mare. Although largely farmer’s helpers are children growing up ensure you learn fast.” an arable farmer, he did have a Hereford around cattle! With technology playing an increasing bull for his dairy herd. Coming from such “Tremendous support has been provided role in farming today, Bill comments that he a background, Bill could not resist the by the Hereford Cattle Society, who are very thinks that the increasing use of technology attractions of a rural constituency. friendly and welcoming,” Bill says. “Other in cattle breeding is very useful. Bill Wiggin was elected MP for Hereford breeders have been enormously He uses the estimated breed values for Leominster, now renamed North helpful and kind to me over the years, and ease of calving, milk and growth as this helps Herefordshire, in 2001, a rural constituency many of them make their living from this him to improve the breeding of his herd. È with a large proportion of agricultural- based industries. Bill works hard to understand the concerns of his farming constituents, so that he can work effectively to represent them in Westminster. By farming himself, he is able to gain some understanding of the hurdles that his constituents face, whether it be dealing with the Rural Payments Agency or Bovine Tuberculosis. Bill began to farm in 2005 and farms on his own, looking after his cattle all year round, with help from his three children and his wife. Without staff, Bill deals with all aspects of farming, from mucking out the “NOT ONLY DO HEREFORDS CONVERT GRASS INTO BEEF MORE EFFICIENTLY THAN OTHER BREEDS, THEIR DOCILE NATURE AND EASE OF HANDLING MADE THEM PERFECT, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE FARMER’S HELPERS ARE CHILDREN GROWING UP AROUND CATTLE!” http://www.vikirossphotography.co.uk/ Photography Ross Viki Photo:
www.countryside-alliance.org.uk AUTUMN 2016 l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE 23
ELOOZLJJLQV-+0.1)LQGG FEATURE FARMING & POLITICS
In September 2014, Bill spent a week in “MY TOTAL SUPPORT FOR farming industry to take better care of Cheshire learning about cattle scanning. RURAL PURSUITS HAS NEVER our farmers.” Bill continues: “This was a fascinating BEEN IN QUESTION.” Bill has held a number of positions in opportunity to learn the skills of pregnancy Government: a whip both in Government scanning, which, given where you have to and in opposition. Currently the chair of insert the scanner, mystifi ed many of my He adds: “Since I am aware of some of the Committee of Selection, and a deputy colleagues in Westminster! the diffi culties that my constituents face chairman of the Liaison Committee, he “I strongly feel that this type of in farming, as I have either experienced was shadow secretary of state for Wales hands-on experience of farming is very myself, or I understand much more clearly between 2003 — 2005. He has been useful. My fellow MPs know about my than I would otherwise, the situation in Shadow Minister for the Environment, passion for farming. The former Prime which they happen to fi nd themselves, Farming and Rural Affairs twice. Minister, the Rt Hon David Cameron I raise their concerns in Parliament and Bill believes in hunting, his grandfather MP, sought my advice about the Basic represent them to the Government. was Master of the Croome. Although unable Payment Scheme and the direction that the Therefore, in a tangible way, I am to hunt himself, due to an allergic reaction Government should have taken.” contributing to positive change for the to horses, he enjoys supporting all of the 11 local packs as often as possible with his family, and occasionally making rather brief speeches at meets. Bill was a teller counting the votes when the Labour Party brought in the current ban on hunting. Although the newspapers did not include the names of the four tellers the following morning. “I was unhappy that my vote to support hunting was not reported,” says Bill. “My total support for rural pursuits has never been in question.” In fact, one of his proudest achievements, he admits, was receiving the Countryside Alliance Westminster Award in 2008, a Rural Oscar, which has pride of place in his Westminster offi ce. “I treasure my Rural Oscar and the Countryside Alliance has my gratitude to this day.” O
24 COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE l AUTUMN 2016 www.countryside-alliance.org.uk
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p25_CA_Aut16.indd 25 26/08/2016 16:19 FEATURE CONSERVATION
The moor the merrier È LIAM STOKES introduces our new campaign: invite the public to a moor and let them fi nd out the benefi ts of shooting and moorland management for themselves.
new campaign aiming to complicit in this collective sense of being to see a nasty picture of a dead raptor bring the general public permanently under siege. Whenever and click a petition — it takes a lot onto shoots across the a newspaper or broadcaster wants a longer to understand the complexities country has kicked-off comment or a discussion on shooting, we of countryside management and the onA Ilkley Moor. Cutting the media invariably seem to fi nd ourselves put up apparent paradox of game shooting campaigners and social media slactivists against the most strident ideologue the as a conservation tool. Reasoning that out of the conversation and giving the producers can fi nd. people would be a lot more willing to facts a chance to speak for themselves, Social media is culpable, too. The give the necessary time if they were out the visitors’ reactions to a well-managed shooting community feels under attack in the beautiful landscapes managed shoot were universally popular. Now we from anti-shooting users given the illusion for shooting, we at the Countryside need your help to roll this campaign out of coordination and numbers by hashtags Alliance launched a campaign to invite across the UK. and petitions. The temptation, one we’ve the public onto some of the best shoots We spend so much time battling the all given into at one time or another, is to in the country, there to meet with real anti-shooting element that we sometimes shout right back at them. When the media gamekeepers, see real conservation start to imagine the whole non-shooting is giving platforms to the most hard-line work and discuss any concerns they public is against us. The media is certainly of antis and we’re hunkered down in our social media bunkers trading barbs with “WE AT THE COUNTRYSIDE people hoping to ban our way of life, it is ALLIANCE LAUNCHED A CAMPAIGN TO INVITE THE Liam Stokes is the hard not to assume the world is against Countryside Alliance’s head us. It is tempting to withdraw from the PUBLIC ONTO SOME OF THE of shooting campaigns. debate altogether. BEST SHOOTS IN THE COUNTRY, A former lecturer in But there is an alternative, and that’s THERE TO MEET WITH REAL conservation and wildlife to shift the debate to the terrain on GAMEKEEPERS, SEE REAL management, he is passionate CONSERVATION WORK...” about broadening education. which shooting does its best work-the real world. It only takes 10 seconds
26 COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE l AUTUMN 2016 www.countryside-alliance.org.uk
0RUUODQGVKRRW-+0.LQGG FEATURE CONSERVATION
might have about shooting. “WE NEED PEOPLE WITH you are used to online shouting matches, The fi rst event was arranged at Ilkey SHOOTS TO SHOW OFF, TO was incredible. Not everyone left itching Moor, where we introduced 16 ramblers COME FORWARD AND OFFER to pick up a gun themselves, but that was from the Bradford CHA Rambling and TO HOST SIMILAR WALKS, never the idea. A few people told me they Social Club to Simon Nelson, head TO TALK TO THE PUBLIC still didn’t really understand why people gamekeeper of the Bingley Moor AND REACH A MUTUAL like shooting, but if it paid for all that Partnership that leases the moor from UNDERSTANDING WITH THEM.” “conservation stuff” it was fi ne with them. Bradford City Council. Although avid Some had come along specifi cally because walkers and lovers of the countryside, of the controversy over grouse shooting, the group comprised mainly of self- the local community in the shoot days, and left convinced that the shoot was confessed townies, but not exclusively. We and the economics of the Bingley Moor a good thing to have on the moor, both had an avid birdwatcher, an archaeology Partnership. Rather than having to pay to for the birds and for the community. One enthusiast and an amateur botanist, manage the moor themselves, the council even said he would write to the council among a wide range of other interests. actually receives £12,000 for the shooting saying so. The best thing was I didn’t This made for a diverse and interesting rights and can leave the conservation say a word. This wasn’t a conversation array of questions and a wide ranging work to the Partnership’s keepers. As one for campaigners, it was a conversation discussion as we hiked our way across guest commented, “the council doesn’t between people who love the countryside the 1,000-acre moor. have the money to manage the moor, so and those who work on it. Away from the noise and bluster of why not let the shoot do it? The council Now imagine conversations like these the anti-campaigning, concerns were also needs the money.” taking place on shoots up and down the aired and discussed in an atmosphere of It was a bit of a revelation to see country, on lowland pheasant shoots, respect and friendship, united by a love people being so open-minded. It is foreshores and grouse moors. We can for the landscape on which we were one thing to shout at the antis about make this happen, but we need your help. walking. Questions regarding raptors were the conservation benefi ts of moorland We need people with shoots to show off, answered, as a red kite drifted overhead, management. It is quite another to show to come forward and offer to host similar and fl ooding was discussed as the walkers the public curlew, skylarks and kites walks, to talk to the public and reach a were shown blocked drainage ditches while an expert gamekeeper explains mutual understanding with them. Let’s (known as grips) and told how water was how their work provides habitat for the take the megaphone out of the hands being stored on the hill. Encouragingly, species they are seeing, as well as those of the writers, journalists and media the walkers were equally interested in they are not — wheatear, golden plover personalities, and let’s put it into the poaching-prevention, the involvement of and merlin. The reaction, particularly if hands of working country people. O
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0RUUODQGVKRRW-+0.LQGG FEATURE FARMING Self-suffi ciency and ‘A Little Piece of England’ È Barrister, businessman, campaigner and author JOHN JACKSON, a former chairman of the Countryside Alliance, introduces his book A Little Piece of England.
grew up in rural Devon in the 1930s, and my family were fl at An extract from A Little broke. We lived on what we could Piece of England grow or forage from the land or One evening in midsummer, still in my Isea. By the time I was four, I had had an offi ce clothes, I was lured down to the extensive, albeit somewhat premature, paddock by the suggestion that the fencing needed inspection as a matter education in how to look after myself. of urgency. With a grinning family behave just like the geese and only eat Fast forward to the mid-1960s, during behind me, I was confronted by two grass. At any rate, that was the gist of it. the height of my corporate career in the shaggy-coated brown and white animals, Apparently generations of breeding standing about two feet high at the City, when I returned to the countryside had taught Moon and Sixpence a great shoulder, eyeing me suspiciously and and moved my wife and three young deal. Whenever I was about, they were looking something like a cross between grazing innocently in the middle of children from London to Underriver in sheep and goats, with long tails. They the paddock. Kent. I wanted them to experience the were two Jacob sheep, shearling ewes But strange things were happening – one year old, that is – and their names joys of knowing how to use the land, too. in the garden. Small shrubs were were Moon and Sixpence. Then, much like now, Britain felt like disappearing, eaten down to the ground. We had been thinking of venturing into Larger shrubs and trees were being a volatile place. I and many others sheep for some time. Ann and the two barked by something. Whatever was looked to self-suffi ciency and the land girls had followed up an advertisement in doing it had a particular liking for the to fi nd a sense of security — and a the local paper, found a fl ock of Jacobs camellias. That demonstrated excellent and bought the two ewes on the spot. It means to provide for our families, no taste, but did not fi ll me with enthusiasm. was not just a matter of impulse. Jacobs matter what happened. I asked Sue if she was quite sure the two are good dual-purpose sheep. There is a ewes were not getting out. Sue said she My wife and I, and our enthusiastic strong demand for them as park animals, was quite sure with a ‘don’t you dare young farmhands, started out innocently and they are excellent eating. They are a disagree with me’ quality in her voice. hardy breed, and fi rst-generation crosses enough with a few chickens. Before long Rather less belligerently she pointed out with other breeds produce vigorous, we had assembled a cast of memorable there was no sign of sheep droppings meaty lambs. and that the tree barking stopped characters — bullocks, cows, horses, We had read recently that a Scottish six inches above ground level. These sheep, goats, and geese — as well as a farmer had paid some hundreds of observations were diffi cult to counter. few four-legged freeloaders, largely kept pounds for a Jacob ram. Scottish farmers The fact remained that the happenings don’t spend that sort of money lightly. on land borrowed from neighbours on a had started as soon as the sheep I was a bit apprehensive about Moon ‘barter’ basis. had arrived… and Sixpence. They were the largest O This is the tale brought to life with farm creatures we had acquired yet and the help of Val Biro’s charming pen and they were very different from my idea ink illustrations. Originally published in of sheep. However, I confi ned myself to 1979 as A Bucket of Nuts and a Herring the comment that the paddock had been fenced with horses and ponies in mind Net, my tale has since been republished and that I didn’t see what was to prevent for the Countryside Alliance as A Little the ewes from simply stepping over the Piece of England. bottom rail and raiding the garden. Ann I hope now, as I did then, that it will and C-J withdrew discreetly leaving Sue inspire you to experience the joys of self- to explain to me that generations of breeding had taught sheep to respect suffi ciency — and perhaps get a bit closer fences and that even if they did stray in to your own little piece of England. a fi t of absent-mindedness, they would
“I RETURNED TO THE John Jackson, or JJ, was COUNTRYSIDE AND MOVED chairman of the Countryside MY WIFE AND THREE YOUNG Alliance from the late ‘90s CHILDREN FROM LONDON until 2005. JJ has always been a staunch defender of rural TO UNDERRIVER IN KENT. I To order a copy of A Little Piece of liberty and this was very much WANTED THEM TO EXPERIENCE England please email admin@jjbooks. in evidence as he championed THE JOYS OF KNOWING HOW com. For more information, visit fi eldsports at one of the hardest TO USE THE LAND, TOO.” points in history. www.jjbooks.com
28 COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE l AUTUMN 2016 www.countryside-alliance.org.uk
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p29_CA_Aut16.indd 29 26/08/2016 16:24 FEATURE HUNTING On parade at the Festival of Hunting È Countryside Alliance hunting correspondent GEORGIE ARCHER went on assignment to the Festival of Hunting at Peterborough in July. Here’s her report from the show of shows.
few weeks before the day tweed suits, women in smart dresses and of the Festival of Hunting hats and inter-hunt and hound showing “THE STUNNING HOUNDS BEING in Peterborough, our tickets competitors in black jackets and riding SHOWN BY THE HUNT STAFF hadA come through the post. From that hats or white coats and bowler hats. The WHO CARE SO TIRELESSLY point on, the suspense was building – last spectacle keeping their attention showed FOR THEM.” year we had had a lovely day – the thrill teams of riders racing around the arena – of the inter-hunt relay was something that with older riders on large hunting horses can’t be forgotten and I was excitedly and younger ones on speedy ponies. sniffi ng everything in reach. In multiple anticipating it this year. On top of that, I We turned to watch the competitors, show rings hounds were on display, from thoroughly enjoyed taking photos of the drawn in by the cheering and jubilation. bloodhounds and old English foxhounds stunning hounds being shown by the Agile horses leaped rustic fences and to whippets. hunt staff who care so tirelessly for them hunt staff and supporters tested their A collection of Irish Wolfhounds and had driven for hours to show off skills by opening and shutting a gate, lounged in the collecting ring of an empty members of their hunt’s pack. navigating a sandy ‘bridge’ and handing show ring, panting heavily. We stopped Nevertheless, the four-hour journey over a hunting whip. The riders who to watch at the side of several arenas, – on one of the hottest days of the year dared to take the tightest turns managed admiring the rich variety of hounds on – to the East of England showground to cut precious seconds off their team’s show, and took photos of the animals and for this year’s Festival of Hunting was time, providing that they also managed people absorbing the showground feeling. still gruelling. Crawling through traffi c to clear the obstacles. The atmosphere We paused again, this time to watch dampens anyone’s spirits! Despite the was tense: supporters whooped and the hound showing inside the tent, where best efforts of the car’s air-conditioning, clenched their teeth as opposite team spectators were packed into stands and my mother, sister and I arrived in a members raced towards the fi nish line. hunt staff were parading their hounds state of heat-driven, crazed exhaustion. Meanwhile, one rider on a spotted horse with rosette-laden arms. Judges inspected Stepping out into the hot air, we were crashed through the metal railings on every hound for the desired features: the relieved to feel a breeze and to fi nally the opposite side of the arena from us – maximum 16" height of the beagles at hear the excitable narration on the luckily, horse, rider and bystanders were their withers and their broad head and inter-hunt loudspeaker. The chattering all fi ne. The horse daintily hopped out the slightly fi ner, intelligent head and of hounds leaked from the lorry parking of the railings, successfully removing its well-muscled top line of the foxhound. area and show rings; in the pens around tangled legs without a scratch, showing Behind us, the pens were fi lled with the main ring hounds from hunts across self-preservation skills well-suited to the snoozing and snuffl ing hounds; not the country lounged in pens, pressed hunting fi eld! However, we had to move everyone was fi nding it easy to relax in up against the bars. We headed for the on as there was so much more to see. the sunshine. bustling tents and show rings, ready We passed many rows of shops, However, we had to think about to immerse ourselves in a hunting sporting a vast range of goods and leaving as the journey home was still to extravaganza, forgetting already about the products. Hundreds of people wandered come. We bought some ice-creams, which long car ride. around, fl itting in and out of shops. Many began to melt the second they left the The inter-hunt relay arena was centre had dogs pottering around on the end relative cool of the ice-cream van, and stage, attracting visitors as it was right of their leads (or simply dragging them then wandered back towards the car via in front of us, fl anked on two sides by across the showground). Long-legged the equine show rings. Big, impressive rows of shops. Leaning on the metal greyhounds elegantly pranced, whilst hunters cantered around the arena in railings were young children licking small, scruffy terriers scooted along, the side-saddle class, whilst fi ner-boned melting ice-creams, elderly men in crisp horses leapt around a large track in the working hunter class next door. On the other side of the fence, these show rings http://www.hurworth-photos.co.uk 16-year-old Georgie felt like a completely different world Archer has hunted with the – away from the busy shops and loud Golden Valley for many years inter-hunt noises (now on the junior team and is an enthusiastic Pony Club member. She is a regular classes), it was much quieter. hunting correspondent for the Finally, we reached the car and set off Countryside Alliance. back towards home, tired, but happy and still buzzing after another exciting day. O of Hunting photos: Festival
30 COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE l AUTUMN 2016 www.countryside-alliance.org.uk
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p32_CA_Aut16.indd 32 30/08/2016 10:52 FEATURE BROADBAND Reaching the fi nal 5 per cent on broadband È BT explains how it is working with communities and using the latest technologies to roll out fi bre broadband.
T has invested billions of crowdfunding organisation, Spacehive, authorities to deliver satellite broadband pounds to roll out fi bre to help hard-to-reach communities via in more remote areas. BT’s subsidised broadband as far as possible. a package of co-funding and support. satellite broadband service offers a With additional government For further information, visit www. choice of affordable high-speed funding,B through Broadband Delivery UK communityfi bre.bt.com/ broadband packages from a range of (BDUK), BT has extended fi bre to more retail service providers. Further details challenging rural areas across the UK, to NEW BUILD SITES can be found here: www.mediaand help the government meet its target of High-speed broadband connectivity broadcast.bt.com/wp-content/uploads/BT- 95 per cent of premises with superfast is a major factor for home buyers. MandB-BDUK-Satellite-Broadband-DS.pdf broadband by 2017. The rollout is BT has been working with the government advanced, with 25m premises now passed. and builders on agreements that will PLANS FOR ULTRAFAST SERVICES We want to help ensure that premises deliver superfast broadband connectivity BT wants to take UK broadband from amongst the most diffi cult to reach, the to new-build properties. This will see superfast to ultrafast. Openreach plans fi nal 5 per cent, can also benefi t; the fi bre-based broadband offered to all new to deliver ultrafast speeds to 10 million initiatives listed here will help achieve this. developments either for free or premises by 2020, and to the majority as part of a co-funded initiative. It is of the UK within a decade, through a COMMUNITY FIBRE estimated that more than half of all combination of fi bre-to-the premises BROADBAND PARTNERSHIPS new-build properties can be connected and new G.Fast technology with speeds This scheme aims to enable all to fi bre broadband free of charge to of up to 1Gbps. communities to fi nd a fi bre solution. developers. For more on the subject If you wish to fi nd out more or We work with communities to agree please visit www.newdevelopments- discuss any of these areas, please contact affordable options to bring fi bre to areas openreach.co.uk/ your BT regional partnership director. not covered by existing roll-out plans, Visit www.bt.com/btregions to fi nd providing tools to establish local demand. SATELLITE BROADBAND out more about your region and who We have set up a partnership with BT is working with BDUK and local to contact. O
Openreach to fi nd a solution. Working who benefi t. Around 120 homes and Coleorton, Leicestershire together, the community and Openreach businesses across the wider village can Because they could only get internet agreed to jointly fund the fi bre build with also sign-up to fi bre broadband thanks speeds of around 1 —2Mbps, residents in Openreach contributing the standard to the newly installed network. Residents the Leicestershire village of Coleorton amount for a fi bre upgrade in line with are now enjoying a superfast service partnered with Openreach, BT’s local its commercial model. The community on the network, which is open to all network business, to bring superfast worked together to gap fund the communications providers on an equal broadband to their village. People additional costs. wholesale basis, enabling them to choose living in Coleorton Hall, a Grade II listed This partnership represented a major from a number of internet suppliers. building converted into residential milestone nationwide, as Coleorton became They’re enjoying download speeds of up apartments, weren’t included in any the 50th community in the UK to be to 80Mbps. fi bre broadband plans so approached connected to the fi bre broadband network Bill Murphy, BT’s managing director after thorough community action, working for Next Generation Access, said: “We’ve directly with Openreach. A new roadside been very clear that we’ll never say no fi bre broadband cabinet was installed to any community wanting to work with just outside the entrance to the Hall, as us. The residents of Coleorton Hall have previously each property was connected by shown great vision in joining together ‘exchange only’ telephone lines. with Openreach to secure access to the “We’re committed to working with fi bre broadband network. It’s a major step communities like Coleorton to help forward for the village and fi bre opens up them achieve their goal of a fast fi bre endless opportunities for people living connection. Rural areas often present the and working locally.” most diffi cult and complex challenges, but working together gives us the best chance possible of fi nding a suitable “WE’RE COMMITTED and affordable way forward,” Said Kim TO WORKING WITH Mears, Openreach’s managing director for infrastructure delivery. COMMUNITIES LIKE COLEORTON TO HELP THEM ENJOYING THE BENEFITS ACHIEVE THEIR GOAL OF A It’s not just those living in Coleorton Hall FAST FIBRE CONNECTION.”
www.countryside-alliance.org.uk AUTUMN 2016 l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE 33
%7%URDGEDQG0&LQGG FEATURE WILDLIFE SCULPTURE Hamish Mackie’s life in bronze
È Hannah Treliving from Roxtons speaks to talented Mackie’s forthcoming exhibition sculptor HAMISH MACKIE ahead of an exclusive private ‘Life in Bronze’ will showcase over view of his work in London this October. 40 of his latest pieces in London’s Mall Galleries from October 10- 22, 2016. Roxtons Field Sports, Countryside Alliance and Country he notion that nature inspires Australia and Asia are a huge privilege Life Magazine have collaborated creativity is a truth universally of the job and he is well aware that his and are delighted to be sponsoring acknowledged, but in no one’s predecessors would not have been so a private view evening on Tuesday work is this more blatant than fortunate, instead having to visit zoos to October 18. For more information or Tin the sculptures of Hamish Mackie. He observe their exotic subjects in artifi cial to request an exhibition catalogue, is fast establishing himself as one of the habitats. Recent trips have included a trip contact Caroline Brough on country’s leading wildlife sculptors and his to the Varzuga in Russia with Roxtons, caroline-brough@countryside- work seems born out of an enviable affi nity who have been organising fi shing and alliance.org with animals and their habitats. shooting days and holidays since the 1970s. Having been brought up on a Cornish Hamish headed out to the Kola Peninsula farm, Hamish’s early surroundings formed a to study Atlantic salmon and the magical backdrop which remain a great inspiration Arctic Terns, amongst other species. One For worldwide fi shing and shooting and one that he constantly refers back day he caught 14 fi sh before lunch, yet please contact Roxtons on to. He credits observation of the farm’s still managed some thorough research: +44 (0) 1488 689 788 or livestock and wildlife along with the “Just don’t mention the vodka!”, he adds. [email protected] pursuits of fi shing and shooting as vital Modern photography means that it is so www.roxtons.com early infl uences to his work. easy to capture these experiences and In an age when society is, regretfully, masses of shots are taken which, together becoming increasingly detached from with miniature clay studies, are taken back this gestural quality which gives his three nature, Hamish says it is ever more home to the studio and then used to bring dimensional creations such vitality. The important for artists to stay ‘tuned in’ to the raw, malleable clay to life. inherent strength of the bronze allows the their subject and it is this commitment to Hamish favours the lost-wax method, sculptures to be positioned in poses not working from life that has lead him to all which captures his signature style so possible in other mediums so they can be corners of the globe. He admits that his perfectly. “Leaving a fi ngerprint in wet clay caught in motion with one or even no legs research trips to the wildlands of Africa, is just so exciting” he explains, and it is on the ground. O
“IN AN AGE WHEN SOCIETY IS, REGRETFULLY, BECOMING INCREASINGLY DETACHED FROM NATURE, HAMISH SAYS IT IS EVER MORE IMPORTANT FOR ARTISTS TO STAY ‘TUNED IN’ TO THEIR SUBJECT.”
34 COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE l AUTUMN 2016 www.countryside-alliance.org.uk
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p35_CA_Aut16.indd 35 30/08/2016 10:33 FEATURE WORKING DOGS DOGS WITH JOBS How dogs help stop the rot È In the latest in his Dogs with Jobs series, JIM BARRINGTON meets the Enviro-Dogs.
uying a house, particularly an older building, can be a headache at the best of times. The last thing any potential purchaserB wants to fi nd is some hidden “… WE CAN SIMPLY MARVEL, problem halfway through the process. ONCE AGAIN, AT THE Dry rot can affect many buildings, EXTRAORDINARY SCENTING large or small, and while it is often ABILITY OF DOGS.” detected by surveyors, sometimes, because of furniture, fl oor coverings and other obstacles, the places it infects Meg and Jess nevertheless have can be inaccessible and hidden from to combine their talents with human An example of how valuable the service view. This is where the extraordinary expertise. Mark has studied in detail Enviro-Dogs offer was described Mark: an scenting ability of the dog can be utilised, the problems of dry rot, building his occupied house was to be sold, but the searching out this invasive, damaging knowledge by working with treatment vendor used a variety of excuses why the fungi and potentially saving house- companies. “There are four stages of carpets and other coverings should not holders considerable amounts of money. dry rot infection,” Mark tells me, “and be removed. The surveyors suspected dry Enviro-Dogs was formed by Mark distinguishing the fungi from other smells rot, but couldn’t prove it... until Mark, Meg Doggett in 2012. Previously employed in on a variety of different types of timber, and Jess were called in. The infection was building construction, Mark had no real such as pine or oak, is crucial.” It can work discovered and the sale terminated, saving experience with working dogs until he its way through brickwork and concrete the buyer a considerable amount of money. came up with the idea of using his animals and lay dormant for years, appearing only Other instances are more light-hearted, to detect the timber-eating fungi that we when conditions are right. with Meg and Jess once fi nding a coffi n, know as dry rot. Properties examined by Enviro-Dogs thankfully unoccupied, in a derelict house. The training process is remarkably range from the smallest terraced house to Another survey saw Jess become impatient simple: “It’s the play and reward system.” 50-bed mansions and castles. Listed buildings with Mark (who was busy talking to a Mark explains, “a ball is placed in one of pose a particular problem given the limited client) for not throwing back her ball. She a number of small pots aligned in a row. degree to which fl oorings, wall-coverings duly took it to the next person standing When found by the dog, a food treat is etc. can be removed and here is where nearby, except it was no human being but given. Then a piece of wood infected with scenting dogs can be of particular benefi t. a suit of armour! dry rot is put in a pot with the ball and Problems with the “hidden invader”, reward given as usual. After a while, the ball as dry rot is known, can be far more is removed from the routine, but the treat is than just a minor inconvenience, with still given, now that the dog associates that rectifying work sometimes running particular smell with reward.” into tens of thousands of pounds. It can The stars of Enviro-Dogs are Meg and mean the difference between buying the Jess. Meg is a border collie and is known house you desire or moving on to seek for her slower, but methodical work. Jess, another property. a Springer spaniel, “just gets on with it” For the potential purchaser or for the according to Mark and is used for derelict existing house owner, therefore, Enviro- buildings, where speed is preferred. Jess’ Dogs can be a very wise investment and, relatives are also workers, involved in whatever the outcome, bring peace of search and rescue, as gundogs and in mind; for everyone else, we can simply police and security work. marvel, once again, at the extraordinary scenting ability of dogs. Jim Barrington is animal welfare consultant to Mark, Meg and Jess work across the the Countryside Alliance and UK, and you can fi nd out more at has long admired the scenting www.enviro-dogs.co.uk. Email Mark on abilities of dogs and the many ways in which they can assist us [email protected] or call him on in everyday life. 07764 755 301
36 COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE l AUTUMN 2016 www.countryside-alliance.org.uk
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p38_CA_Aut16.indd 38 30/08/2016 14:52 GET INVOLVED Recipe of the quarter
Recipe by Game-to-Eat Development Chef LEE MAYCOCK. Lee will be continuing to promote game to catering students this season via the Game-to-Eat workshops. For more information contact info@gametoeat. co.uk. Follow Lee on Twitter @LeeMaycock1
{ An alternative to traditional dishes} BBQ grouse, sourdough & charred leaves PREPARATION METHOD Serves 4 OSeason the grouse and cook over a hot BBQ for two minutes each on side. YOU WILL NEED…
O8 grouse breasts ORemove from the BBQ and allow to rest O8 pieces of sourdough for a further two minutes. FOR MORE GAME O4 chicory RECIPES PLEASE VISIT O2 radicchio OSplit the chicory in half lengthways and WWW.GAMETOEAT.CO.UK O10g fresh chopped chives BBQ until a little charred. OLemon oil FOLLOW THE TEAM ON OCornish sea salt OAlso, BBQ the radicchio leaves. FACEBOOK AND ON OMilled black pepper TWITTER @GAMETOEAT OLastly BBQ the sourdough.
OPlace the grouse and charred leaves on the bread and drizzle over a little lemon oil andchopped chives and serve.
www.countryside-alliance.org.uk AUTUMN 2016 l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE 39
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p40_CA_Aut16.indd 40 30/08/2016 11:37 FEATURE FISHING Tight lines and best fi shes È CHARLES HALLIDAY reports on exciting times for The Countryside Alliance Foundation’s Fishing 4 Schools project in the South West.
he demand for Fishing “PUPILS BENEFIT FROM 4 Schools (F4S) in Bristol, A COMPREHENSIVE AND Bath and Somerset is IMMERSIVE OUTDOOR greater than ever before, LEARNING PROGRAMME...” Twith schools engaged during 2014/15 requesting either further or greater provision the following year. Such fi rm immersive outdoor learning programme, enthusiasm and endorsement gives utilising a nearby Wessex Water fi shery Teachers and pupils plenty of reason for F4S to celebrate, that is rich in habitat and wildlife, and alike are enthusiastic but refl ects the considerable value and normally reserved for the exclusive “… a brilliant course that importance perceived by education use of disabled anglers. Other recent ties in superbly with the professionals. This clearly demonstrates development has seen an additional ASDAN ‘Personal and Social the need for continued F4S availability class of year 10 pupils double their Development’ qualifi cation. and for resources and provision to be guided learning hours allocated from Students work with the developed further, and ideally more curriculum; and the development of a teachers to set their own widely. The commitment from schools ‘hook to cook’ program within the Design goals and decide necessary that serve special education needs has and Technology department, which was steps to achieve them with been particularly strong, but reaching recently documented in the Bristol Food the assistance of F4S coaches. all pupils from all school Network magazine. Students are particularly types continues to be a Other developments focussed and enjoy learning challenge. Peer mentoring include a new F4S new skills,” says Pip Harding, amongst a growing F4S programme for primary teacher of Brunel Class at team; greater equipment schools which was Threeways School. resources; and agreements successfully piloted during A pupil from Brunel Class with fi sheries within close the Spring Term with says: “I think it’s good because range to each school has all Eastover Primary school, I like catching fi sh. The coaches helped to strengthen existing two afterschool clubs so are good, I like Steve the most foundations. that F4S pupils have an exit route to because he is funny and a good There are currently nine schools continue their new-found interest in instructor. The coaches are nice. committed to ongoing F4S courses – one angling outside of curriculum time, and They help me to get better”. in Bristol, two in Bath and six in Somerset the involvement of three more qualifi ed – which, to some extent, refl ects the angling coaches. One of those coaches proximity and accessibility of fi sheries is ex F4S pupil, Jordan Jones, who took It has also been a fantastic year to the schools in each region. Threeways part in the F4S course whilst studying at for the project in Kent, with School, based in Bath, provides for a Elmwood School in 2012. He recently met fi ve new schools joining the wide range of special education needs with his old teacher while inspiring the programme - bringing the total th and is entering its 10 year with F4S. next generation during a coaching session to 10 schools. The majority of Their invested commitment has forged and has now just completed a diploma these schools are for youngsters a well-honed and highly effective course in Fish Husbandry at Bridgwater College. with physical or behavioural programme, unique to the school’s Jordan is currently working full-time at challenges and they are trained requirements. The close working Summerhayes Fishery over the summer by our instructors towards their relationship has allowed continued holidays and is the current lake record Cast Awards (administered by course development with learning value holder of a 32lb carp. O the Angling Trust). For some of being added year upon year. Pupils these children this might be the benefi t from a comprehensive and only qualifi cation they gain at school and it is a great boost to fi nd out they excel at something. Charles Halliday has been an instructor with F4S for a number of years. A passionate ecologist and For more information, please environmentalist, he is keen to contact Catrin at F4S on pass a love of our waterways 020 7840 9270 or email on to the next generation. [email protected]
www.countryside-alliance.org.uk AUTUMN 2016 l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE 41
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p42_CA_Aut16.indd 42 30/08/2016 11:19 GET INVOLVED Feedback
PLEASE SEND emails to [email protected] and Èletters to Editor, Countryside Alliance magazine, 1 Spring Mews, Tinworth to spend in Street, London, SE11 5AN – for a chance to win a £50 Chudleys voucher Win a £50 any Chudleys { RURAL VOICES} CHUDLEYS stockists Your letters Send us your grassroots views VOUCHER
Fair funding for rural police Editor’s choice
FAIR FUNDING FOR RURAL I commissioned a study by would mean funding would be POLICE SERVICES HAS BEEN academics at Plymouth University disproportionately infl uenced by a central goal of the National to assess the last pitch the Home volume crimes such as shoplifting. Rural Crime Network (NRCN) Offi ce put forward. By defi nition, there are far more since its inception. And with Its conclusion was that work of these crimes in urban areas Brexit raising fresh questions done so far to develop the criteria than in rural ones and they do not over future funding for police, for police funding is inherently refl ect the growing complexity of rural forces like my own have unfair on rural areas, particularly demand on policing. Put simply: Julia Mulligan been keen to make sure the those with sparse populations. it’s like allocating NHS money government gives them a fair We believe the government’s on the basis of the number of the NRCN to date and would share of the overall policing ‘pot’ approach to date is so fl awed and people in an area with a cough encourage its members and that they do not lose out to inequitable that it needs to go and cold. The more people, the to back our Rural Policing their urban cousins. back to the drawing board and more coughs and colds. But this Matters campaign at www. Whilst the Home Offi ce think completely afresh. in no way takes into account the nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/ retreated on the last funding This is because the government complexity of serving the public work/rural-policing-matters formula proposals, they are soon appears to favour using the properly, especially in sparse, JULIA MULLIGAN to undertake a fresh review. To number of crimes recorded in rural areas. Police and Crime Commissioner ensure the right lessons were an area as the principal basis I want to thank the Countryside of North Yorkshire learned, as chair of the NRCN for allocating funding. This Alliance for its support of Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Congratulations to Julia, winner of the £50 Chudleys voucher. www.chudleys.com
Wildlife Licensing as it should be
The granting by Natural England (NE) as shrill campaigners from the usual enables accurate monitoring of the species recently of a licence to kill 10 buzzards to quarters have chirped. Nor is it a “worrying and numbers being controlled, so that the protect young pheasants was an important precedent” leading towards licensed culling true impact on conservation status can milestone towards common sense in wildlife of much less common birds, as Martin be assessed. management. There are 300,000 buzzards Harper of the RSPB has alleged. (You would A properly administered licensing system in the UK and the species is increasing faster think that as their conservation director he also removes any vestige of an excuse than virtually any other British bird. would know that there is a legal backstop from those who do irreparable damage to The buzzards in this case had habituated preventing the grant of any licence that shooting’s reputation by illegally persecuting to killing young poults and the damage was would harm the conservation status of a birds of prey. Organisations like the RSPB, deemed by NE’s experts to be serious and species and that each application is assessed which rightly condemn illegal persecution, ‘above normal business risk’. Numerous non- on its individual merits, so precedent does should support reasonable licensing lethal approaches to solving the problem not apply). decisions as contributing to its demise. had failed. The lawful criteria for a licence The existence of a legal licensing route CHARLES NODDER had thus been met and it was right that it for managing birds that would normally be Political adviser was granted. protected has huge advantages. Apart from National Gamekeepers’ Organisation The case will not ‘open the fl oodgates’ allowing genuine problems to be resolved, it PO Box 246, Darlington, DL1 9FZ
Sally Elliot, winner of The Lady Scott Rose Bowl for the Game Bird of the Year 2016
Through Sally Elliot’s devoted care of ponds, dogs, too. Sally prepares beaters’ lunches, A presentation to Sally was made at the hedges, grassy wet bits and arable edges, all appreciated by the team. Sally does all GWCT Game Fair at Scone, Perth, on Friday, our wader population has exploded from this with a love for the land, the wildlife and July 1 to recognise Sally’s achievements. Lady basically a handful of curlew, plovers and her time sharing her husband’s passion. Scott, trustee, Sir John Scott Bt, Honorary oyster catchers in total to at least two dozen Tullybeagles, the wildlife, the team, my family President, Raymond Holt, Trustee, Helen curlews, same for plovers and well over 100 and friends all benefi t from the hard work and Benson of the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust oyster catchers in the last 5—6 years. Sally devotion of Sally. (GWT) and Alex Hogg Chairman of the SGA is constantly on the ground monitoring and JOHN HAVEN were in attendance. The Rose Bowl was caring for the birds, feeding, preparation Laird of Tullybeagles presented along with a named gilet donated work of cleaning, erecting pens and hoppers. Tullybeagles Estate by Game & Country, main sponsors of the All this with two children and a kennel of Meikleour, Perth, PH2 6EA Game Bird Award.
www.countryside-alliance.org.uk AUTUMN 2016 l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE 43
/HWWHUV5JLQGG FEATURE LOWER DESS
A perfect Scottish retreat
È The Lower Dess Estate is described as “a perfect Scottish retreat”. JAMES SOMERVILLE-MEIKLE fi nds out about the hard work and care that ensures this is no idle boast.
or a fi shing enthusiast there projects to make it really interesting”. can be few greater pleasures Since becoming owners they have in life than casting a fl y on the carefully and accurately restored much of River Dee, one of Scotland’s the estate to its full potential. fourF largest rivers. As I wade into the The renovation programme has recently crystal-clear water of one of the pools culminated in the complete transformation at the Lower Dess Estate, near Aboyne, I of an old farm steading into a luxury think how lucky I am to be following in 10-bed-lodge complete with kennels and the footsteps of generations of fi shermen. gunroom. The conversion has breathed Conditions are almost perfect; it is a warm new life into the old granite stones of day with a gentle breeze and enough cloud the derelict buildings and given them cover to keep the sun off the water. All a new purpose as a holiday destination around me are uninterrupted views over for sportsmen and women enjoying the valley to the Forest of Birse, a truly the fi shing on the estate as well as local stunning setting. But the tranquillity of the shooting, stalking, golf and skiing. Some of the estate which is driven by a love of the day hides what has been a challenging, but the best grouse shooting in the country is local area and a long-term commitment also exciting, fi ve years for Lower Dess. within a 30-minute drive, although grouse to the estate’s future success. All of the Jeremy and Jenny Clayton purchased numbers in Angus and Aberdeenshire are investment has been done with the help this 428-acre estate in 2011 to fulfi l a signifi cantly lower than last year. The of local tradesmen, helping to stimulate lifelong dream of owning a Scottish estate. lodge can also be let on a B&B basis and the local economy, and the progress For Jeremy “Lower Dess ticked all the takes in residential photography and that has been made is clearly a source of boxes, it has good fi shing, is very beautiful, art courses which is a useful source satisfaction for Jeremy and Jenny. quiet and secluded and had enough of business, particularly outside of the This progress has been made in the game seasons. face of some of the most challenging James Somerville- As well as building the lodge, Jeremy and times for landowners in Scotland. Since Jenny have also installed new access steps Jeremy and Jenny purchased the estate Meikle is political assistant at the Countryside Alliance. to the river, modernised the main house fi ve years ago, they have witnessed the He has worked on a number and cottage, installed central heating and turbulence of the Scottish independence of sporting estates in Scotland double glazing to all properties bar one, and EU referendums, the plummeting during the last 10 years and completely renovated the farm house and price of North Sea oil with the knock-on now helps to deliver campaign work in Westminster. re-fenced the entire estate. It is wonderful effects in Aberdeen and Deeside, as well to see the investment that is being made in as the uncertainty created by the land
44 COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE l AUTUMN 2016 www.countryside-alliance.org.uk
0LOORI'HVV0&1)LQGG FEATURE LOWER DESS
The best news is that the fl oods do not appear to have caused any long-term damage to the fi sh stocks or the quality of the fi shing on the estate. The force of the fl ood waters altered many of the pools on the estate, but Jeremy explains that “whilst the river has changed, our fi shers have adapted, and our catches are signifi cantly better than last season.” It is an amazing testament to the resilience of the fi sh that they are still here in good numbers after “A HOLIDAY DESTINATION FOR reform agenda in Scotland. One element the fl oods. SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act, passed The estate comprises almost 2.5 miles ENJOYING THE FISHING ON earlier this year, was legislation to enable of the north bank of the River Dee and THE ESTATE AS WELL AS the reintroduction of business rates for fi shing is by far the main sporting element LOCAL SHOOTING, STALKING, sporting estates and this is something of the estate. Traditionally there were two GOLF AND SKIING.” which Jeremy is particularly concerned beats – Lower Dess and Upper Dess but about. “At a time when the rural economy they are now owned and fi shed as one is fragile, it would be an extra burden on estate (Lower Dess) with a total of 16 the business, at present, every penny the named pools. It boasts some of the best estate earns is put back into it (and more) spring and summer salmon fi shing on the and if the introduction of rates happens, Dee with excellent Sea Trout in June and we will have to consider whether to August. The river is fi shed on a fl y-only keep investing.” basis and since 1999 there has been a The biggest challenge came earlier this catch and release policy in place with over year when the River Dee burst its banks 90 per cent of caught fi sh being released and fl ood waters rose to their highest which has helped to increase stocks. levels in 200 years. Whole sections of the The reputation of the estate is growing estate’s roads were washed away, fi shing and according to the estate’s ghillie, Eoin huts were badly damaged and in some Smith, fi shing guests come from all over, cases completely destroyed, and fl ood “from the nearby village of Kincardine water came into the tackle room up to O’Neil to Tokyo”. With this in mind I ask the necks of two stag heads mounted on Eoin whether even a novice man from the wall. The water was only at its highest Kent, such as myself, might hope to for 12 hours, but the damage has taken catch something. He smiles and says: months to repair and the nearby town of “the fi sh have no idea who is on the Ballater is still recovering. other end of the line, and it makes no Thanks to commitment of Jeremy and difference whether it is me or the Jenny and the help of the local community, Queen who is casting”. the estate has now almost completely We make the short journey down to the recovered. Roads that were washed away river bank along a newly repaired road have been replaced, fi shing huts repaired and Eoin gives me some much needed or rebuilt and the stag heads in the tackle advice. I wade into the river and feel the room have been cleaned up. force of the water against my legs and I am pleased to have the stick that Eoin has lent me to keep my balance. I start to cast and make my way down the river a yard at a time after every few casts. Down the river a salmon jumps out and I think my luck might be in. I make my way to where I saw it, and no sooner am I casting in that spot when salmon start to jump in another part of the river. None of them are tempted by my fl y, but it is a truly wonderful sight to see the salmon burst out of the water, glisten in the sun, before disappearing into the water. Against the odds, the fi sh, like the estate, are thriving. O
Web: www.lowerdessestate.com Tel: 01763 264249 Email:[email protected]
www.countryside-alliance.org.uk AUTUMN 2016l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE 45
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p46_CA_Aut16.indd 46 30/08/2016 10:44 GET INVOLVED Regional events, Autumn 2016
È MORE EVENTS Our online listing is updated regularly and can be found at www.countryside-alliance.org/events/upcoming-events { AUTUMN 2016} Get involved. Top events for the next few months
È NOVEMBER 6 COUNTRYSIDE DAY AT FFOS LAS, CARMARTHENSHIRE. Tickets are on sale now so come and support the Countryside Alliance in Wales.
Nominate now in the 12th Please nominate your Please support rural annual Rural Oscars favourite businesses now! businesses through our Alliance and the Injured Awards, also known as The categories are: Awards. Nominate online at Jockeys Fund and will, of the Rural Oscars, are Britain’s www.countryside-alliance.org course, include the Armistice Day silence at 11am (see p11). premier business awards 1. Local food and drink or email awards@countryside- and give a voice and platform 2. Village Shop/Post Offi ce alliance.org to tell us who QNovember 18 to the best of our produce, 3. Tourism Enterprise your favourites are and why. Old Berks Christmas Fair enterprise, heritage 4. Farm enterprise (new Nominations will be accepted 11am – 7pm at The Kidson-Trigg and communities. for 2016) until November 4. Auction Rooms, Nr Highworth, Swindon, SN6 7PZ. Take Q September 17-18 with Roxtons and Country Life • Members entry the hassle out of Christmas Midland Game Fair, Weston (see p36). • Race card shopping and come to our Park, Shropshire. • Champagne reception fair where stall holders offer a www.midlandgamefair.co.uk • Lunch varied selection of unusual and • Access all day to our affordable Christmas gifts for QOctober 4 enclosure in the Grand Stand you, your family and friends. London Wine Auction at the Book your tickets online at Shop after 5pm and enjoy a Victoria and Albert Museum. www.countryside-alliance.org/ complimentary glass of The popular annual event is product-category/events mulled wine. sold out – look out for a photo Tickets for children (under 14- For a list of stallholders, visit: gallery in our Winter issue. years-old) are available at £30 www.countrysidechristmasfair. each. Tables come as 8, 10 or 12 co.uk or contact sara- QOctober 18 QOctober 23 person. Please let us know the rutherford@countryside- Countryside Alliance Annual Aintree Countryside Day name of your table host when alliance.org General Meeting at 11am in Join the Countryside Alliance booking if applicable. Supporting Thames the Gascoigne Suite, the Union for lunch and a thrilling day of Valley Air Ambulance, the Jack Club, Sandell Street, racing at the famous Aintree QOctober 22-29 Old Berkshire Hunt and the London, SE1 8UJ. Richard racecourse. Gates open at Hunting Newcomers’ Week Countryside Alliance. Fry and Andrew Ogg have 10:45am with the Countryside The popular annual week Refreshments served all day been elected to the board Alliance Charity Race at noon. where hunts encourage those by The Old Berks Supporters. unopposed – to read more Following the charity race who have never been hunting Entrance: Adults £5.00 about them, and for the ballot you are invited up to the to give it a try. Keep an eye on under 15 free. form to approve our accounts, Countryside Alliance enclosure our Facebook page for news please see our annual report in the main grandstand for a and photos. NOVEMBER 20-27 from p.9 of this magazine. Champagne reception and three È GREAT BRITISH GAME course lunch before the rest of November 11 Q WEEK. Keep an eye on our QOctober 18 the racing gets underway. Cheltenham Countryside Day website for updates on Hamish Mackie exhibition, at Tickets are £60 per person The popular day will raise events taking place. the Mall Galleries in association and include: funds for the Countryside
www.countryside-alliance.org.uk AUTUMN 2016 l COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE 47
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VICTORIA KNOWLES-LACKS is the founder of the Shotgun & Chelsea Bun Club, encouraging women to get involved in shooting.
o me, my countryside is all about T community. I’m so lucky to be a part of a number of thriving and devoted communities and to be able to benefi t from all of the amazing and young, rich or poor, it’s about mucking parapet, or those who just keep their enriching things that they bring. It’s that in for the love of the sport. It’s sharing head down and do their thing. community spirit and mucking in that’s the most incredible days, the joy of a I hope your countryside is as rich most important to me and what I think is towering bird, witnessing a spectacular as mine. O so unique and wonderful about the Great retrieve and having a jolly time in some British countryside. It’s also those chilly of the most beautiful places. Most days stood on a peg that I adore, hearty importantly, it’s being me but all of us food, cosy nights in front of the fi re, and being as one with a common cause - our sunny mornings over the fi eld with my love of fi eldsports. lakeland terrier in the summer. My day job, or my mission in life should Home for me is on the beautiful I say, is sharing my love for shooting with Worcestershire/Shropshire border. other women. I’m fortunate enough to I absolutely love it here. It’s the kind of run my own business, a ladies’ shooting place where you can leave your door club. We introduce new ladies to the unlocked. There’s a bustling village sport along with providing a place to with so many independent shops, a network for more experienced lady handful of pubs, and we’re surrounded guns. We have our own fast-growing by proper hunting and shooting country community right at the heart of what with never-ending bridleways and we stand for. swathes of cover crops. I love nothing The ethos of the club is about support, more than popping in to the pub and the sisterhood, and having each other’s catching-up on goings on, getting fresh back, whilst doing what we love. It’s all bread from the local bakery and fresh about celebrating successes and building produce from the local shops. each other up, regardless of the size of It’s about being a part of the shooting the achievement. I get such a high from community, being amongst friends I fi rsts of our members. Whether one of know and those who I’ve not met before, our members gets their licence granted, and knowing we’re on the same page. It’s as many are doing in their droves, those quirky types who never fail to make shooting their fi rst bird, buying their fi rst you laugh, or dole out a tongue in cheek gun, or just going to the local gun club comment. It’s being myself amongst such on their own. It’s all these things that are a diverse array of people. Whether old or so worthy of celebration. It’s also enticing ladies from the cities out to a shoot; “It’s all about it’s the joy of fresh air, hidden gems of country pubs, slowing down for horse celebrating successes riders and livestock, or just scenery and building each which takes your breath away. Talking of celebration, we are so other up, regardless lucky to have so many amazing people of the size of the amongst our ranks, who each weave http://www.hurworth-photos.co.uk their qualities into our rural communities.
achievement.” Those who put their heads above the Photos:
For more information, visit www.shotgunandchelseabunclub.co.uk. You can also fi nd the club on Twitter and Facebook. The club celebrates its fi fth anniversary this year and we offer warm congratulations.
48 COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE l AUTUMN 2016 www.countryside-alliance.org.uk
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