The Field August 2019

THE law permits citizens to possess firearms, provided that those who do so meet various criteria intended to protect the public. Only those with genuine need or requirement, a faultless record and who are deemed not to be a threat or danger are able to possess guns. None of which prevents criminals from acquiring or having access to them. Firearms law, as it affects shooting enthusiasts, is a mish-mash of several Acts that often contradict each other, rather than provide clear guidance. The Home Office’s Guide to firearms licensing law is intended to ensure consistency between police forces. However, there are 41 chief officers able to interpret the law and decide who, in their area, is allowed to possess firearms and how the licensing process is carried out. Due to…

WHO knows the origin of the phrase, ‘the call of the sea’? But we all know exactly what it means. It’s the feeling that Justin Tew captures in his nostalgia-dappled seascapes. Bathers wade out into Mediterranean shallows; umbrella pines shade the shoreline. Everyone will supply their own special location but for the artist, it is the French Riviera. “My favourite hunting ground is the Côte d’Azure – Villefranche and Cap Ferrat. It’s in my DNA. My father started to go to the South of France back in the 1930s and he loved it. So as children we all went back every year. Where I live now in Bedfordshire you are as far away as possible from the sea – but there is something about being beside the sea. And I…

Leighton Hall in Lancashire, which can trace its history back to 1246, is a great example of what traditionally run estates are achieving for conservation – without resorting to ‘rewilding’. Extensive woodland management has boosted butterflies, including the rare high brown fritillary, pollination has been increased by establishing a wildflower paddock and introducing beehives, and the family-run shoot maximises conservation potential. Estate owner Lucy Arthurs runs the shoot with her husband, Danny. “Over the next three years we have decided to change all the cover crops to an organic wildbird mix or organic nectar flower mix. These types of gamecover are there to support the traditional needs of the gamekeeper to manage his birds, but can create a fantastic environment for wild birds, mammals, butterflies and pollinators throughout the year,”…

FIRST PUPPIES The Essex with Farmers and Union Hunt – a merger of The Essex with the Essex Farmers and Union – has bred 12½ couple of hounds following a successful first season. The hunt used bitches and dogs from The Essex to maintain Old English bloodlines. Hounds are looked after by Josh Warren, who has returned to the hunt after two seasons in the USA. MAGPIES THREATEN SONGBIRDS A new study shows magpies are the most common predators of songbirds. Researchers from Exeter University and the GWCT put 460 artificial nests on farmland in Warwickshire to study predator behaviour. Magpies accounted for 70% of visits, with nests inside magpie breeding territories predated more often. “This study helps further our understanding of the threat that some particularly predatory individuals pose,”…

26 July-1 September National Fishing Month Events around the country to encourage newcomers of all ages to go fishing. To find events near you, go to: www.nationalfishingmonth.com 30 July-3 August Qatar Goodwood Festival Goodwood Racecourse, near Chichester, West Sussex (1st is Ladies Day). Tel 01243 755055; www.goodwood.com 1 Honiton Show (including West of England Hound Show) Stockers Farm, Gittisham, Honiton, Devon. Entry £17 adults, children free. Tel 01404 41794; www.honitonshow.co.uk 2-3 Highland Field Sports Fair Moy Hall, Inverness. Tickets £15 for adults, children under 16 free. Tel 07765 955216; www:moyfieldsportsfair.co.uk 2-4 Festival of British Eventing Gatcombe Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire. Tel 01285 841786; festivalofbritisheventing.com 8 The Salen Show The Showfield, Aros Bridge, Salen, Isle of Mull. Island’s cattle, horses and dogs compete for coveted prizes. Tel 01688400313; salenshow.wordpress.com 9-11 Chilli Fiesta…

MOST VIEWED Pith helmet picnic Our June issue was bursting with archive gems but this picture proved a particular favourite, taken at an outdoor hunting supper during King George V’s tour of India, circa1911. Though more than a century old, Fielders took inspiration from the pith helmet picnic for suppers, parties and the upcoming season. “The ladies look glamorous in the pith helmets with netting far more glam than my midge hat,” commented one. “What a glorious assortment of pith helmets,” agreed another. INSTAGRAM Chasing grouse In anticipation of setting boot to moor this month, we delved into our archives and shared this super photo by Andy Hook, taken for our 2018 shoot report at Wemmergill. “What a sight,” said one Fielder. Others were inspired to share their plans for…