Table of contents for July 2023 in The Field

THE FIELD (or Country Gentleman’s Newspaper) trotted smartly off the printing presses for the first time in 1853 and became the indigenous organ of enthusiastic sporting households. Our first correspondent to the Letters page (a prospectus of the publication had been sent to those likely to take the paper) summed up the ‘value proposition’ rather neatly. ‘No native of any part of the globe will go so far, or endure so many hardships for the pursuit of game of any kind as the Englishman. His love also of entertaining his friends with the result of his exploits in the field is quite unsurpassed; and what is more enjoyable than the company of a few friends, and a few filberts, over a glass of the finest juice of the grape, and…

The Welsh government has now passed the Agriculture (Wales) Bill prohibiting the use of any snare – including licensed use – or other humane cable restraint (HCR). Samuel Kurtz MS, chairman of the cross-party group for shooting and conservation, placed amendments at Stage 3 of the bill to license these modern HCRs for the sole purpose of species restoration and conservation of targeted species. However, they were voted down by 38 votes, meaning their use, along with ordinary snares, in Wales will become illegal following Royal Assent later this year. Matt Goodall, GWCT Cymru adviser and head of education, said: “It is hugely disappointing that, despite huge amounts of work, time and effort highlighting the GWCT’s research in this area, an amendment tabled to enable the strict licensing of humane…

Eating out RESERVATION ELYSTAN STREET Where? 43 Elystan Street, Chelsea, London SW3 3NT What? A Michelin-starred eatery a stone’s throw from South Ken where the celebrated chef actually does man the stoves. Phil Howard is a devotee of the seasons, with game a particular favourite, and rustles up delicious dishes in a low-key environment famed for its exquisite decor and sunny service. Set an alert on your calendar for when grouse comes in, served with elderberries, bacon and green peppercorns. The partridge hotdog is another favourite not to be missed, while the line-caught fish is always a big hit. More than peckish? The Six of the Best tasting menu (£105) will propel your taste buds into overdrive. If ordering from the regular menu, be sure to leave room for a…

Enter for the chance to win: Acre & Holt Bakerboy cap Alan Paine Fernley ladies’ cape Ariat Moresby boot Campbell’s of Beauly Tweed plus-fours and cap Cordings Gift voucher worth £200 Croots Tweed cartridge bag D-Robe Waterproof rucksack EJ Churchill One-hour shooting lesson Farlows Linen Rudham Nehru vest Fine Shooting Accessories Luggage tags GMK LotusGrill barbecue Holland Cooper Hand-rolled silk scarf Holland & Holland Gunfitting Lacorine Sumac hat LAPADA Pair of VIP tickets Marloe Coniston watch Melvill & Moon Fieldsports canvas pouch Private Cellar Magnum bottle of rosé Ruff and Tumble Dog coat SanDisk PRO-G40 solid-state drive Shots & Company Sloe gin cartridge bottle Skye Holland Charcoal drawing Wendy Keith Designs Shooting stockings and garter set Westley Richards Gun cleaning mat Whitehall Vineyard Case of wine Witham Group Gun-care bundle…

THE COLLECTIVE groan you heard was the property sector on hearing that the Government has yet another strategic housing plan. Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, has unveiled its five-year strategic plan ‘to support communities… by enabling the delivery of more good-quality, affordable homes alongside the regeneration of towns and cities across England’. If we had a home for every housing ‘initiative’ trumpeted, we’d easily be building the required minimum of 300,000 new homes a year. “Housing plays an enormous role in the well-being and prosperity of our country. As an agency, we firmly believe that affordable, quality homes in well-designed places are key to improving people’s lives. Our updated strategic plan has been designed to enable us to deliver against that,” says Peter Freeman, chair of Homes…

Don’t miss out on our birthday year Bumper September special Our grey partridge number comes with an additional Ladies’ Supplement showcasing inspirational women in fieldsports. On sale from 17 August Free when you subscribe This green hardcover notebook comes with the famous Field masthead and our 170th anniversary logo, gold-edged ivory lined paper and a document pouch. Enjoy these great subscriber benefits: → Pay less than you would in the shops → Never miss an issue → Save up to 30% → Delivered in plastic-free paper wrap Easy ways to subscribe: → Online: thefieldsubs.co.uk/B89J → Telephone: 0330 333 1113 Quote code B89J Lines open Monday to Friday 8.30am-7pm, and Saturday 10am-3pm (excluding Bank Holidays). Offer closes 30 July 2023. Open to new subscribers only. Direct Debit offer available to UK subscribers only. Full terms and…

‘OF ALL SPORTING dogs perhaps there are none more generally useful, beautiful and sagacious than the setter.’ So wrote Edward Laverack, who was instrumental in the development of the modern English setter, in 1872. ‘They are possessed of all the necessary requisites for general utility, viz, great speed, nose, staunchness, method of range, and finding, and, without any exception, one of the most enduring breed of setters I have ever come across.’ English setters have been involved with field trials and dog shows since their inception in the 19th century. “Around this time, the breed underwent considerable development and Edward Laverack created a breeding programme to fix the English setter into the type we see today,” says Ciara Farrell, library and collections manager at the Kennel Club. Dom Goutorbe, champion…

IF HENRY Beck were alive today, it is doubtful he would ever have to buy himself a drink: a long line of grateful London Underground users would get there first. His remarkable foresight saw the Tube map transformed in 1931 from chaotic, wiggly, multicoloured strands of spaghetti, with almost indecipherable station names written at jaunty angles, to the clearer format millions rely on today. However, for all Beck’s good work, we wager The Field’s Guide to the Underground will present an infinitely more recognisable map of town to readers. BOND STREET A visit to Purdey in South Audley Street is essential: not only has the gunmaker been assigned the Royal Warrant by every monarch since Queen Victoria, but the walk from the Tube takes in no end of must-dos while…

DEPENDING on where you get your stats, the UK film, television and video production spend in 2022 was anywhere from £4.77bn to £6.27bn. Rishi Sunak might want to send some of the statisticians to maths boot camp but even taking a billion or three in either direction he must be pretty happy about this creative bump to the nation’s balance sheet. The creation of these works is a hi-tech business, and Britain regularly dominates the Academy Awards in visual effects. But playing a significant supporting role is some of the nation’s most creative talent: the artisans crafting breathtaking works using traditional techniques. From basket weaving to the finest gold embroidery, Britain has centuries of history to draw on and our skills are celebrated on stage and by Hollywood and the…

IN THE late 1980s, I was involved in the making of two series of programmes for Channel 4, entitled Village Show. We visited flower shows all over the kingdom, including one close to where I lived. I remember the director saying to me, with a melancholy shake of the head, that he didn’t suppose that the particular village show we were filming – where I had recently been invited to judge the vegetable, flower and fruit classes – would survive more than another five years. I am pleased to say that he was wrong, and that in July I shall be judging at this still-popular show for the 35th consecutive year. Village flower shows date back to the 19th century and have been under pressure from appealing distractions almost from…

The RSPB believes illegal killing is the major cause of death in hen harriers, and grouse shooting is the main reason for the majority of these deaths. The charity stated: “Mortality due to illegal killing was higher in areas managed for red grouse shooting, highlighting the role that persecution on some grouse moors plays in limiting hen harrier populations.” David Pooler, chairman of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, told The Field: “We condemn all persecution and anyone found guilty of any form of wildlife crime is named and expelled from our organisation. But these figures [on the mortality rate for hen harriers] have not been verified by the police.” Mark Tennant, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “There have been long-held concerns regarding transparency around data collected by the RSPB…

♦ EMAIL CHARLOTTE.MACKANESS@FUTURENET.COM RAM’S HEAD BELT BUCKLE PEACHY BELTS A stylish buckle made from a hard-wearing and corrosion-resistant mixture of zinc, aluminium, magnesium and copper that fits on either a 30mm or 40mm belt. Your new flexible friend in the field. ♦ Price £45 ♦ Tel 01664 454994 ♦ peachybelts.co.uk HAAKAN BOOT DEDITO Lightweight but durable footwear made from 2.6mm waxed full-grain leather with a Thinsulate lining, breathable waterproof membrane, ankle support and cushioned soles. These unisex boots were made for walking – all day. ♦ Price £295 ♦ Tel 01832 776104 ♦ deditoboots.com BEACONSFIELD JACKET BARBOUR Oodles of practical features including articulated sleeves, rear zipped pockets and an adjustable waist. This Barbour is machine washable to boot. A sleeveless version will also be available on the stand. ♦ Price £379…

ACRE & HOLT Bakerboy tweed cap RRP: £85 A traditional eight-piece bakerboy cap made in Yorkshire from Acre & Holt’s own range of Scottish tweeds. Designed for both men and women, it is lined with a fetching Dutch wax cotton print and is ideal for outdoor country living. acreholt.co.uk ALAN PAINE Fernley ladies’ cape RRP: £165 Being both stylish and waterproof, this contemporary cape is the perfect lightweight throw-on. Adjustable side studs give it a flattering shape, and it has a handy hood and waterproof zip. Ideal for all your country pursuits, it can be popped in a tote bag for when rain strikes. alanpaine.co.uk ARIAT Moresby boot RRP: £165 A versatile and waterproof men’s boot with a full-grain leather and suede upper, and recycled rubber sole. Comfort is at…

THE GAME Fair returns to Ragley Hall in Warwickshire at the end of this month to celebrate its 65th anniversary. Close to 150,000 visitors are expected to attend from Friday, 28 July to Sunday, 30 July and, once again, it promises to be a tremendous celebration of fieldsports and country life. The Hall, home to the 9th Marquess of Hertford, sits in 450 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland near Stratford-upon-Avon. A packed itinerary includes thrilling displays and competitions, educational demonstrations and plenty of chances for visitors to have a go for themselves. There’s something for everyone, from clay shooting and rifle enthusiasts to fishing fanatics, foodies and more. The Field has been at the heart of every Game Fair since 1958 and this year will be no different, with our…

IMAGINE sitting in an open-topped sports car. Stretching out in front of you are 1,000 yards of single-track, tarmac road: sinuous, uphill and closed to all other traffic. There are no speed limits as you are on a private country estate. The tarmac is yours alone to enjoy. For me that dream became reality. My car was a threelitre Morgan Roadster Lightweight and the place was Shelsley Walsh, a legendary motorsport venue in rural Worcestershire whose first event was held in 1905, meaning it predates the likes of Indianapolis (1909), Monza (1922) and Le Mans (1923). What car would you choose? And where would you like to experience your thrill on a hill? My need for speed was first satisfied at Shelsley Walsh by taking part in a hillclimb school.…

EIGHTEEN years ago, Andrew Nelstrop and his father James had a novel idea for diversification on their 1,100-acre arable farm in Norfolk. They decided to make whisky – specifically the finest single malt – and as far as they were concerned this was completely doable. They grew excellent barley on their farm, they had two maltsters down the road and they had a fresh supply of water from the River Thet. They persuaded a distiller from Laphroaig to help get them going and began production in December 2006 as the English Whisky Company. When the Nelstrops started out, they were the first and only registered whisky distillery to make the spirit on English soil for more than 120 years. At that time English whisky was little more than an interesting…

THIS month’s test focuses on a best 32in Arrizabalaga sidelock side-by-side pigeon gun. It is equipped with an inertia-operated, non-selective single trigger, a flat file-cut rib and chokes fixed at ½ and ¾ (relatively open by pigeon gun standards). The gun has side-clips to the barrels, a capped full-pistol-grip stock and extended trigger-guard as well as exhibition-quality wood. It weighs in at a hefty but well-balanced 7lb 12oz, with the point of balance exactly on the hinge pin. The sidelock is profusely, indeed rather wonderfully, engraved with Celtic scrollwork by Eibar craftsman Inaki Azku. This extends to the rear of the barrels and there are encircling gold-line inlays near the breech to make this exhibition piece look even more arresting. It creates an overall effect that is bold but attractive.…

WITH summer fully under way, I am thrilled to see the garden pulling out all the stops and producing a colourful array of seasonal delights. In the UK we are absolutely spoiled for choice around this time, both in the quality of produce and the variety available. Salad leaves, vegetables, berries, stoned fruits and herbs are all plentiful and ripe for picking. Although this seems to not only be bringing me joy but also the labrador, who has cheekily created a ‘pick your own’ row in the raspberry and blackcurrant patch. This month I have shared some of my favourite fresh, flavourful dishes to serve for a long, lazy summer’s lunch. The rabbit pasta is seasoned with plenty of fragrant herbs, which helps keep this dish lighter than other ragus.…

THINGS move fast at Jaguar these days. It wasn’t long ago that potential buyers were lured into its showrooms by sleek saloons and estates, powered by majestic engines that had pedigrees going back decades. Straw in the winds of motoring change started arriving in about 2015, and before you could say ‘six-string Heston’ Jaguar’s bestseller was the F-Pace – yet another chunky SUV. The E-Pace followed in no time, ready to muscle into the ‘compact luxury SUV’ market, and very successful it has been too. It’s a stylish interpretation of the genre: definitely a Jag, even if there’s a hint of Mk1 Qashqai in it. My test car was handsome enough to overcome the dullness of the white paintwork. It also featured the latest trend in engine tech: the three-cylinder…

The West Coast Tracking Project, started by the Atlantic Salmon Trust in partnership with Fisheries Management Scotland and Marine Scotland Science, has entered its third year. It aims to garner information about the movements of smolts around Scotland’s west coast. In the past year, 331 acoustic receivers have been used to take a closer look at the behaviour and transit timings of smolts in sea lochs. The project is looking at 12 rivers and the team involved has tagged 1,100 smolts. Results indicate that the tagged fish are distributed widely around the west coast and migrated using different routes with different travel speeds. Mark Bilsby, chief executive officer of the Atlantic Salmon Trust, said: “By the end of 2023 and into early 2024, we will be able to start pulling…

THE EXHILARATION that pulses through one’s veins on a peg, gun at the ready as a squadron of birds rockets into view, is often tempered by the pressure to make a clean, safe shot in the quickest of moments and readying to go again. For novices, the additional worry of which way and how many the line moves up or how many cartridges are needed for the drive can render a shoot day rather intimidating. Fortunately, support can be on hand in the shape of loaders who are there to help shots handle the heat and keep their cool. Loading is a prestigious job reserved for those who really know their way around a gun. Many are former keepers, others are instructors, some simply have a passion for the sport.…

I TRAVELLED much farther than planned and fared worse than I hoped. The romantic notion to trace the footsteps of angler and writer HT Sheringham, taken more than a century before along the Thames at Isleworth, came to me several years ago. My original idea, set aside along with so many other things, was to take the train to Richmond as he’d done, cross the former deer park and walk down the east bank towards the old ferry, perhaps through the trees that sheltered the lovers he observed as he strolled homeward in the peace that follows a happy fishing trip. On a recent visit to Kew Gardens, I looked upstream from the boundary viewpoint to the shingle banks where Sheringham fished for dace, and there made up my mind…

READERS of The Field may be surprised to learn there’s another sport dedicated to the chase. Rich in history, etiquette and aristocratic patronage, it may feel like an outdated irrelevance to the modern world but this sport quietly thrives, attracting loyal subscribers characterised by obsessive dedication and eccentric bonhomie. But it’s not just the people who make this sport so special; each location brings a distinct character and perhaps even famous features that devotees will travel far to experience. Sound familiar? No, it’s not the Ledbury’s legendary hedges; welcome instead to the world of real tennis. Even if you’ve never heard of the game, you’ve probably seen a court. That distinctive high roof is hard to miss; however, many passers-by incuriously dismiss it as a Victorian warehouse or rather grand…

DURING the Covid years there was a small fortune to be made from breeding a litter of puppies, such was the demand. An acquaintance bred a litter of cockerpoo puppies because he wanted a puppy from his bitch. He ended up pricing them at £3,500 each to ensure that he got genuine buyers and not individuals planning to sell them on at a profit. Once he had purchasers he approved of, he reduced the price by £1,000 but still made a tidy sum. The puppy market has now returned to something like normal, which means not only far fewer puppies being born but much more sensible prices being set. You can, if you do your research carefully, find quality retriever or spaniel puppies at less than £1,000, though there are…

IN THE Royal Armouries collections are many different sporting daggers, one of which is associated with George Villiers (1592-1628), 1st Duke of Buckingham. A favourite of James I and Charles I, the Duke was not only a statesman and a soldier but also a sportsman and a patron of the arts. This elegant dagger, with its associated bodkin and sheath, combines these last two functions. It is designed in a way that would allow it to be used either as a weapon or as a tool and epitomises the fashionable male accessory of early-17thcentury England. Knives and daggers were carried by commoners and gentry alike in the Middle Ages and early modern period. They were used as tools for everyday tasks or for the hunt, and also as sidearms for…

IN JOHN Martin Robinson’s magnificent book A Guide to the Country Houses of the North West (1991), there are many examples of the private mansions of Lancashire that no longer stand or have been ousted into commercial or municipal use. Against this backdrop of progress, the 14th-century Inn at Whitewell, in the Duchy of Lancaster near Clitheroe, exists today as a jewel in the crown of the county. That it is in the safe and welcoming hands of Charles Bowman (whose family have lived here for centuries) and his wife Louise, a former Joint Master of the Pendle Forest and Craven, and is a warren of comfort and sporting memorabilia, ensure a stay is all the more memorable. It also has a cosmopolitan twist. The night of my visit coincided…

From the archives Summer evening rabbit stalking by The Man in the Cap, 6 September 1879 TO THE sportsman who is a lover of nature (and he must be an unappreciative and degenerate mortal who is not, and but little worthy of the title) many summer occupations are denied. It is not in the power of each and all to have the chance of whipping a Norwegian stream for the king of fishes, or to be permitted to throw a fly in the salmon rivers of Scotland, or even to get a frequent opportunity of whiling away the time on the banks of an English trout stream. To thousands of inland sportsmen such pleasures are unknown. Still, in the reach of many is the pleasant summer evening’s stroll, gun in…