Tucked away in the centre of Berwick, the Grade II listed six-bedroom Queen’s Head Hotel has been under the stewardship of Garry and Jo-Anne Greenaway for the past 14 years. We found the hotel easily enough after a pleasant three-and-a-half hour drive from Nottinghamshire, the fact the road running immediately…
Shooting
Does scientific bias affect shooting?
A few years ago I listened to a lecture by American biostatistician, Professor David Allison. In his talk he warned of the dangers of what he called “white-hat bias” and its effect on objective, evidence-based policymaking. It might sound odd, but I was completely transfixed as he described the ways…
BASC chief executive Richard Ali’s first year
By Helena Douglas Richard Ali describes his first year as BASC chief executive as energising, fast-moving and busy. “The one-year anniversary has come round quickly and it really doesn’t seem like I’ve been here for 12 months,” he says. “We have had a lot to do and we have achieved…
Do you shoot pigeon for sport or pest control?
Here’s a question for you, do you shoot pigeon for sport or are you doing it as pest control? Under the terms of the general licences, we are only allowed to kill pigeon all year round to prevent unacceptable damage to farmers’ crops, even if that occurs during the birds’…
How to set up ferreting equipment
When preparing to ferret, ensure you have all of your ferreting equipment in your truck. You’ll need spades, a ferret finder and collars, a probe, nets, food for you and drink for you and your ferrets, your ferrets and dogs, clearance tools such as film, cutters, loppers and secateurs. Once…
Stalking roebucks in the bluebells
At the start of the 20th-century, roe were almost extinct in southern England. Since then, their numbers have soared thanks to an increase in woodland planting and strategic reintroduction. In fact, roe are now the most widely distributed deer species in the UK, according to the most recent population survey…
Scottish airgun bill under fire
A bill for the licensing of airguns in Scotland has met with fierce criticism from shooting and countryside organisations and its effectiveness and enforceability questioned by the Law Society of Scotland. The Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill would, if passed in its current form, require anyone wishing to own…
A tick-ing time bomb
Turnstone writes: Two days ago I set about skinning and dressing a roebuck, a two-year-old, shot the previous evening. I have a suitable beam in a general tool-shed from which I can suspend and work on carcases and the animal was duly suspended. The little deer was still in the remains…
Royal backing for red squirrel strategy
A new plan promoting action to protect red squirrels has received the personal approval of Prince Charles, his office has confirmed. The Accord on Squirrels in the United Kingdom sets out a long-term commitment to see “Red squirrel populations protected and thriving and greys controlled through targeted and sustained action”.…
Pheasant shooting from the Croomes Grove shoot, Gloucestershire
Words and photography Adrian Blundell I was on my way to unfamiliar territory with a promise to see what my friend Dave Tiley had described as some “seriously good pheasant shooting”. As I turned off the M5 towards Uley, the relatively flat ground of the Severn Vale gave way to…
Essential ferreting equipment
Simon Whitehead goes back to basics in this video to show you the ferreting equipment he always uses. Naturally, the first tool you need for ferreting are the ferrets and the means to transport them. Simon uses a carrying box that doubles up as a seat. It’s brightly coloured so you…
The Greenman, Fownhope review
You are going to want to stay at The Greenman if you’re shooting at Stoke Edith. Shoot captain Mark Coleman will probably suggest it if you book a day with him anyway. He and innkeeper Sean Mason go back a long way, so why not? Friendships aside, if you value…
Why pest control is essential if we still want to hear birdsong
Our wildlife has declined by 50 per cent in the past 40 years. Predators have gained the upper hand throughout Britain and nowhere is safe. Pest control is essential if the next generation is ever to hear birdsong, says Richard Brigham
HS2 rail line risks conservation catastrophe, says study
Cross-party committee warns that 40% of the land earmarked for the high-speed rail line hasn't been surveyed for environmental impact
Clay pigeon golf shoot
Some of the world’s best golfers got together during the 2010 European Tour to try clay pigeon shooting with a difference. The video shows Tongchai Jaidee, David Horsey, Johan Edfors and Simon Kahn try to smash clays with their golf balls.
Ferret breeding
Simon Whitehead knows a top-class ferret, with rigorous breeding, tenacity, a strong prey drive and yet is easy to handle, is often hard to find
Clay shooting world record smashed
Drennan Kenderdine shoots 25 clays in 31.9 seconds, beating the world record of 37.1 seconds
Review: Blakeney Hotel, Norfolk
Blakeney Hotel, Norfolk, a family-run hotel with stunning views of the marshes beyond.
How to shoot pigeon over oilseed rape in winter
Want to bag more when pigeon shooting over rape this winter? Here, Eric explains how to do it.
