There’s more to being a member of the British Game Alliance than simply supporting the work of bringing sustainable and versatile game meat to the market. Through BGA’s brand partners, who all support the vision of a fully assured shooting sector and a thriving demand for game meat, there are also exclusive discounts and member benefits. There are discounts on everything from insurance brokering from Lycetts to Wild & Game products, shooting at Royal Berkshire, gin from FoxDenton, spirits from Raisthorpe Distillery, wine from Danebury Schönberger, Ardmoor and Laksen clothing, Purdey items, netting from Collins ...

We all know The Game Fair is THE place to meet old friends, make new ones and celebrate the great British countryside but this summer there will be even more of a party atmosphere. Thanks to the generosity of Lord Hertford, Thursday evening will see The Game Fair Awards and Gala Dinner in the stunning setting of Ragley’s Great Hall. The great and good of the industry will celebrate excellence, long service and lifetime achievers. For ghillies and feepers reaching their milestones of 30 years and 50 years, The Game Fair Long Service awards will ...

Many retailers set to exhibit at The Game Fair this summer got their tills ringing early as non-essential shops in England and Wales opened their doors for the first time in months on Monday. Hopefully, those in Scotland and Northern Ireland won’t be too far behind but all the signs are that the ‘Glorious 12th’ of April was a fantastic start to spring (despite snow in a number of places). Mark Osborne, managing director of top sporting retailer William Powell in Banbury, told us: “William Powell opened on Tuesday rather than the Monday when most ...

The Game Fair are delighted to announce our new media partnership with Future Fieldsports for this year’s three-day outdoor celebration of the British Countryside, taking place in the historic grounds of Ragley Hall in Warwickshire from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th July 2021. Patrick Galbraith Editor of Shooting Times commented “It's a terrific partnership between the countryside's premier event and the world's oldest and best-loved sporting titles all bound together with the innovative energy of Future Publishing. See you at The Game Fair Gunmakers Pub for a cold one.” Future’s influential sites, events and magazines make it ...

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has launched its Scottish and Welsh ‘Manifesto for Sustainable Shooting’ prior to the elections on May 6th. The manifestos seek to ensure all politicians recognise the value of shooting and its importance to rural economies and livelihoods. The manifestos set out BASC’s position on key issues and highlight our direction of travel following next month's elections. Steve Griffiths, BASC Wales director, said: “BASC’s ask is simply to work with stakeholders on developing policies to manage the countryside. We make these recommendations in good faith and with an ...

Stand and ticket sales continue to soar as The Game Fair has been given official certification that it complies with industry standards for public health and is ‘Good To Go’ once the lockdown roadmap reaches its conclusion. The official consumer mark from VisitBritain, which is recognised by the National Tourist Board of England (VisitEngland), means exhibitors and visitors can be assured that this summer’s event from July 23rd to 245th meets Government and public health guidance, post-Covid. It provides a ‘ring of confidence’ for businesses, attractions and destinations not only for those attending The Game ...

Hat expert Hicks & Brown has welcomed a new colourway to its wide-brimmed collection, in the shape of the Oxley Fedora, now available in in olive green. Finished with its distinctive gold crest branding set on a ribbon band which features a contrasting brown edge, this wide-brimmed fedora is an incredibly versatile hat that can be worn throughout the seasons, come rain or shine. www.hicksandbrown.com

The hugely popular learn to fish campaign, Let’s Fish, will begin again from Monday, April 12th on venues across England – and it’s free to take part. The Canal and Rivers Trust (CRT), which will be running coaching sessions for all on the lake at Ragley Hall during The Game Fair this July, will be offering tuition from its experienced coaches throughout the spring and summer months. Not only is fishing fun but it is also great for both your mind and body and is something the whole family can enjoy. The CRT will be ...

As lockdown restrictions start lifting, the countryside is bracing itself for an influx of visitors, keen to enjoy the great British countryside. While many will welcome the economic benefits of having tourists back to boost rural businesses, there are also concerns that farmers and land managers may face additional challenges. Continued restrictions on international travel may mean summer holidays are focused on the British countryside once more and some fear similar unacceptable behaviour to that which they witnessed last summer. The uplands are a particular draw for visitors and it is here that access issues ...

Vital coronavirus funding worth £1m has been awarded to more than 100 hard-hit country sports tourism businesses in Scotland. The lifeline cash follows a strong lobbying campaign by two of the sector’s leading representative bodies, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group (SCSTG) and was developed with help from VisitScotland and the Scottish government. Applicants had to demonstrate a minimum revenue loss of 50 per cent as a result of the pandemic, while also proving that 75 per cent of annual turnover was derived from country sports ...

The Game Fair exhibitor, Trailback boots are a blend of traditional and modern, of European skills and technology yet inspired by the stunning landscapes of Cornwall and across the British Isles. These are handcrafted, fully waterproof, leather rigger boots designed initially for rugged dog walking but now finding favour with anyone who ventures outdoors or off the beaten track. The boots are handcrafted by a Spanish manufacturer who has been making Goodyear-welted footwear in the same family since 1899. Combine this with the internationally acclaimed Italian Vibram commando sole and the award-winning German Sympatex waterproof membrane ...

Australian hunter, wilderness adventurer and Rigby enthusiast Brian ‘Wato’ Watson has released an autobiography, re-telling stories of his early hunting adventures in wild Africa and other places right up to present day. Wato’s memories will uncover the depth of his shooting and hunting experiences, having led such a remarkable life. His book documents with characteristic wit, warmth and attention to detail, great hunting yarns told by a true original who has lived a colourful life. It features a forward from Rigby’s managing director, Marc Newton, who recalls how Wato was one of the first to ...

Rural organisation the Countryside Alliance has launched a range of membership packages for equestrians to help them make the most of life with their horses while offering peace of mind and flexibility when out in the field. Its +Equine membership is designed to provide complete comprehensive insurance cover for all equestrian activities from as little as £4 per month. Members will also have access to a huge range of other benefits to help them enjoy their life with horses including: A free subscription to My Countryside magazine Being part of a countryside community with over 100,000 members and supporters Supporting the ...

As the UK starts to emerge from lockdown, there will be even more people venturing into the countryside and a stark warning has gone out from the British Association for Shooting and Conservation regarding ticks and Lyme Disease. Believe it or now, this week is Tick Bite Prevention Week, with the UK’s largest shooting organisation raising awareness about the issue. BASC deer officer Audrey Watson explained that Lyme Disease-infected ticks are especially prevalent in The New Forest in Hampshire, Thetford Forest on the Norfolk / Suffolk border and in the Scottish Highlands. She said: “Ticks ...

With a huge rise in the number of reported dog thefts across the country in the last few months as demand skyrockets following the Covid-19 lockdowns, dog owners are being urged to take care. This topic will be covered extensively in The Carter Jonas Game Fair Theatre this July. As we finally head towards an air of normality, it has been pointed out by many organisations that dogs must be ready for the countryside. Keeping dogs on leads is incredibly important in rural areas for the safety of livestock and dogs alike. More recently however, ...

Gundogs have been at the epicentre of The Game Fair since its inception, over 60 years ago. We are delighted to highlight the importance of gundogs at The Game Fair through a significant new media partnership with the UK’s only dedicated gundog publication, Gundog Journal. The Game Fair 23rd – 25th July, Ragley Hall, Warwickshire will once again host the ever-popular Home International and Euro Challenge gundog competitions, showcasing the very best in the gundog world. The hugely popular Gundog Journal, launched by Fieldsports Press in March 2019, is now firmly established as the world’s ...

Extra key features have been added to the market-leading Green Shoots Mapping software that shooters use to prove its sustainability and benefits to the environment. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation, which owns and runs the software, has introduced additions to boost sustainability credentials and improve functionality. Users can overlay where designated wildlife sites are situated so they can sort and report their wildlife records, which can now be integrated, mapped and exported, allowing users to provide the facts and figures on the benefits of land managed for shooting. Buffer zones can also be ...

Gigaclear, a leading UK provider rural broadband services and the Countryside Alliance have teamed up to get a better understanding of the challenges many British businesses face due to the state of rural internet. They have launched a short survey for those living and working in the countryside and will use the information and results to raise awareness of the issue of rural internet access among both the general public and those in power. The survey should only take around 10 minuets to complete and, as an added incentive and a ‘thank you’ for taking ...

Dog food brand Hoddy’s has unveiled a new line of balanced and nutritious food for active dogs, using sustainable wild pheasant. After years of testing, the brand says it has perfected a unique formula for a sustainable source of wild pheasant for dogs. Using the latest AI technology to ensure a shot-free product, Hoddy’s dog food ensures that no part of the bird goes to waste, while also providing a naturally nutritious, well balanced dry food for dogs. Mark Hodson, founder of Hoddy’s and editor of Talking Game magazine, which champions game cookery, explained: “We’re ...