Countryside Alliance receives thousands of visitors at Countryfile Live

Thousands of visitors of all ages took the opportunity to interact with hounds while learning more about hunting and other country sports when visiting the Countryside Alliance stand at the BBC Countryfile Live event held at Blenheim Palace, Oxon (2-5 August).

Many of those engaging with the foxhounds and bassets – which came from a different local pack on each of the four days – were having their first introduction to hunting with hounds. Throughout the event the members of hunt staff that accompanied the hounds joined with Countryside Alliance staff and other volunteers each day to educate those who wanted to find out more about kennel life and hunting activities in general.

"Our thanks go to all those ambassadors for hunting who gave up their time to explain to members of the public how hunting and other rural activities are still an integral part of life in the countryside," explained Polly Portwin, the CA's Head of Hunting. "It was heartening to welcome so many people onto the stand who had a genuine interest in learning about the work of the Alliance as well as being keen to find out more about the hounds."

"With a number of people expressing their amazement at the size of the foxhounds and enquiring about their fitness and feeding regime, there was plenty of opportunity to demonstrate the importance of hound management and welfare, something that is a priority for all those involved in looking after hounds in kennels."

In addition to the display of hounds, the Alliance was delighted to welcome Tim Hesketh and his ferrets onto our stand throughout the show. The ferrets entertained many visitors to the show with plenty taking the opportunity to experience holding one, while Tim fascinated members of the public with his knowledge of ferreting.

This was one of the many shows attended by the CA over the summer with each event offering an opportunity to interact with members of the public and engage with our membership. At all of these events a variety of different educational material was displayed and distributed in order to offer advice about rural activities and to help raise awareness of ongoing Alliance campaigns.