Image credit: Sharon Newman

Hunts across England and Wales have welcomed new faces into the hunting field as Newcomers to Trail Hunting Week returned for 2026, offering people of all ages the opportunity to experience following hounds.

Running from 17–24 October, the initiative was jointly organised by the Countryside Alliance and British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) under the Future for Hunting campaign, building on the success of the Alliance's longstanding Newcomers' Week.

The week began with National Trail Hunting Day on 17 October, with flagship events hosted by the Percy, Suffolk, East Devon and Worcestershire hunts, before newcomers' meets took place across the country.

Throughout the week, hunts across England and Wales welcomed newcomers, whether mounted, on foot or simply interested in finding out more. Participating packs included the South Devon, Eggesford, South Durham, Braes of Derwent, Middleton, Llangeinor Pentyrch, Cotswold Vale, North Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Cleveland, with further events continuing beyond the official week.

The Middleton Hunt enjoyed a particularly successful children's meet near Driffield, attracting around 60 mounted followers, most of them children.

Belle Tyson from the Middleton Hunt said:

"They had a fantastic morning in the sunshine, learning about the hounds and the etiquette of a day's hunting, and asking lots of questions. We have another meet planned for the Christmas holidays."

Among those taking part was Ruby Sunter (pictured below - image credit Pictures to Penny), who attended two newcomers' meets with the South Durham Hunt and said:

"Both events were well organised and friendly, with jumping and non-jumping field masters. I can't recommend these events enough – we are well and truly hooked!"

Despite heavy rain, the South Devon Hunt also welcomed new faces, with regular followers on hand to offer guidance and introduce newcomers to the hounds.

Joe Emmett, master huntsman of the South Devon Hunt, said: 

"Everyone loved meeting the hounds. We finished the morning with bacon rolls at the horse boxes, so everyone got a taste for the community spirit that surrounds trail hunting."

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

"Although Newcomers to Trail Hunting Week has concluded, the opportunities to get involved certainly haven't. Hunts continue to welcome new faces throughout the season, whether on horseback or on foot.

"With opening meets underway and Boxing Day approaching, there are plenty more opportunities to experience a day following hounds. Anyone interested should contact their local hunt secretary, who will be happy to offer advice and help them get involved."

Olly Hughes, managing director of the BHSA, said: 

"National Trail Hunting Day was a fantastic start to the week, with strong turnouts and positive media coverage helping to showcase trail hunting to a wider audience.

"Building on that success, Newcomers' Week gave even more people the opportunity to experience lawful trail hunting first-hand, meet the hounds and discover the strong sense of community surrounding the activity.

"With the government proposing to ban trail hunting, it is more important than ever that people have the opportunity to see for themselves what it involves."