Hunts across the country are being encouraged to take part in Hounds in the Community Week, a national initiative designed to showcase the vital role that hunts and hounds play in rural communities, which is taking place between Sunday 15 and Sunday 22 February,

The week is part of the Future for Hunting campaign, a joint initiative led by the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) and the Countryside Alliance, which builds on their ongoing work to protect the future of legal hunting. The campaign comes at a time when the government has signalled its intention to consult on how to implement a ban on trail hunting.

Hounds in the Community Week is intended to be one of the first and most visible steps in this next phase of the campaign, which is being chaired by Sir Ben Wallace. Rather than focusing on politics or legal argument, it aims to demonstrate – in a positive and practical way – that hunts are deeply embedded in the communities in which they operate. Hunt supporters, followers and staff are also farmers, nurses, business owners, volunteers, parish councillors and charity fundraisers, contributing to rural life far beyond the hunting field.

Hunts are being asked to organise a simple, community-focused activity alongside their normal plans during the week of 15-22 February. This could include a small social gathering at a local pub, supporting or highlighting a local charity, inviting local farmers, vets or business owners to attend a meet, publicly thanking community supporters, or sharing photographs and short stories that reflect everyday interactions between hunts and local people.

Olly Hughes, Managing Director of the British Hound Sports Association, said:

“Hounds in the Community Week is about showing, not telling. We are asking every hunt to organise a simple, visible moment during that week that reflects their connection to their local area – whether that’s a social gathering, a thank you to supporters, or highlighting the charities and businesses they work with. These small, authentic actions help demonstrate the real place of hunts and hounds in rural life and strengthen the collective voice behind the Future for Hunting campaign.”

Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance, added:

“This initiative is about helping people see what is already there: hunts that are part of their local communities, supporting rural economies, charities and social life. By taking part in Hounds in the Community Week, hunts can play an important role in showing why hunting matters and why it deserves a secure future. These positive, local stories are a powerful way to support the Future for Hunting campaign.”

Throughout the week, the BHSA and Countryside Alliance will be sharing positive stories, images and videos from across the country to help illustrate the contribution hunts make to rural communities.

Hounds in the Community Week represents a coordinated, nationwide effort to highlight the social value of hunting and to support the Future for Hunting campaign in a constructive and positive way.

Find out how you can take action to protect the future of trail hunting here.

Photo credit: Caroline Burton Photography