Summer Clay Day in support of the Countryside Alliance

The beautiful Brimpsfield Park Estate in Gloucestershire is one that is steeped in history, and on Friday 5 August it is hosting a Summer Clay Shoot in support of the Countryside Alliance. The estate has been in the Larthe family since 1958, and they have decided to organise this fundraising event as they believe the Alliance needs the support of the wider rural community if it is to be able to continue its crucial work as the true voice of the countryside. The Alliance is extremely grateful to the Larthe family for laying on this very special sporting and social occasion in such fabulous surroundings, so do please enter your team of four guns now to avoid disappointment. The booking details are in the link below.

Brimpsfield Park has a number of steep grass valleys running away into the hills, which along with woods and spinneys provide the ability to create a superb variety of simulated targets for guns of all abilities. On the day there will be six stands, displaying entertaining and challenging targets for everyone, as well as an additional pool shoot competition. There will be prizes to be won both for the winning team, and the individual winner of the pool shoot. On completion of shooting, there will be a fabulous BBQ lunch from the team at Foston's Ash, who will also be running a fully licensed bar.

Entry per team of four guns is £800 including breakfast and lunch, and additional lunch tickets are available at £25 per head. All guns must hold a valid shotgun certificate, and only fibre wad cartridges will be allowed. Cartridges will be available to buy on the day for those that need to do so (payment via card and cash). Please click here for all booking information.

The first recorded owner of Brimpsfield was King Harold's Saxon thane, Duns, and after the Battle of Hastings in 1066, the estate was gifted by William the Conqueror to Giffard, the son of his cousin. Hunting and wildlife have always been part of the estate, with the Normans introducing rabbits and pheasants; the former for hunting, and the latter for display. Bears were hunted for their flesh until 900AD, and wolves are also known to have been present until Tudor times. Henry VIII is known to have been fond of the area, hunting deer extensively across it both before and during his reign. He gave Brimpsfield to each of his six wives as a wedding present.