The Countryside Alliance’s annual Hunting Newcomers’ Week, supported by the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA), will run this year from Saturday 18 October to Saturday 25 October 2025.

This nationwide initiative invites people of all ages and backgrounds to experience hunting with hounds, whether on horseback or on foot. Hunts across the country will be hosting dedicated meets, open kennel days, and family-friendly events, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about trail hunting and how hunts operate as well as being able to meet the hounds and the people involved.

With the week once again aligning with the school half-term break in many regions, a number of hunts are expected to combine their newcomers' meet with children's priority days - making it the perfect introduction for young people and families to engage too.

But this year, Newcomers’ Week carries even greater significance due to the threat of potential legislation to ban trail hunting.

Polly Portwin, Director of Hunting at the Countryside Alliance, explained:

“The Labour Government has made a manifesto commitment to ban trail hunting, so we are facing a very real and imminent threat to our way of life. Newcomers’ Week has always been about breaking down barriers and opening the door to anyone interested in following hounds and this year is no exception. Whether you’re curious about hunting, passionate about rural life, or simply want to enjoy the countryside in a new way, this is your chance to get involved, either as a participant or just by being a part of the wider hunting community.”

Oliver Hughes, Managing Director of the BHSA, echoed the call to action, urging hunts to open their doors to newcomers:

“With potential legislation on the agenda to ban trail hunting, we are encouraging people - newcomers especially - to experience the activity for themselves. The BHSA’s National Trail Hunting Day on 10 October will be an opportunity for invited MPs and the police to obtain a greater understanding about what trail hunting entails, and on the back of that we’re encouraging hunts to participate in Newcomers’ Week later on in the month to welcome those who wish to learn more too and enjoy it for themselves. Hunts are encouraged to make their newcomer’s events as accessible as possible, to demonstrate that hunts are well-regulated and that they conduct lawful hunting activities which can be enjoyed by those across the generations.”

Foot packs, including beagles and basset hounds, will also be taking part in Newcomers’ Week, ensuring there’s a chance for everyone to discover the joy of following hounds, not just those who on horseback.

For anyone interested in learning more before attending a meet, the Countryside Alliance has produced “A Newcomer’s Guide to Hunting”, which is available as a free PDF download here.

If you’d like help finding your local hunt, contact the Countryside Alliance or BHSA, who will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Image credit: Nicola Housley