Countryside Alliance

Hunts across the UK opened their gates to first-time followers during the Countryside Alliance’s annual Newcomers’ Week, which ran from 18 to 25 October 2025. The nationwide initiative, supported by the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA), attracted riders and foot followers eager to experience trail hunting for the first time, with particularly strong turnout at events that coincided with school half term. Strong Turnout Across the Country From Scotland’s Berwickshire Hunt to the South Devon Hunt in the southwest, packs throughout the UK participated in the week-long initiative. The response demonstrated continued interest in the sport, with many hunts reporting

BBC star Chris Packham has been removed as patron of bird charity Raptor Rescue because he was not doing any work for the charity and was dividing their membership with his campaigns. In addition to campaigning against countryside sports including shooting and hunting, Packham has launched attacks against the government for its policy regarding Net Zero and even suggested it was time to break the law to force climate action from politicians. He’s also rallied behind controversial eco-protest groups Just Stop Oil, Animal Rising, and Extinction Rebellion and suggested that protesters could soon consider “blowing up an oil refinery”.  Malcolm

Rural campaigners have called for the Countryside Code to include a specific warning to amateur photographers taking snaps for social media to show care and respect, following the tragic death of a new-born foal in Wales. Nicky Beynon, a farmer who grazes ponies on the cliffs at the popular tourist hotspot in Gower, near Swansea, said people ‘taking selfies’ caused a new-born foal to trip and fall to its death from a cliff edge in April. Mr Beynon, 60, who farms in Llangennith and Rhossili, said his gypsy cob ponies are overwhelmed by people trying to touch them and take selfies up

Countryside Alliance offers bumper package in this year’s annual trailer draw The Countryside Alliance is offering one lucky raffle ticket holder the opportunity to win a brand new Ifor Williams trailer as part of a prize package worth over £13,000 in their annual draw. For just £25, the winner will also receive a year’s supply of Blue Chip Feed Balancer for one horse or pony, plus trailer insurance for one year. The Countryside Alliance has again partnered with Ifor Williams Trailers, Britain’s leading trailer manufacturer, to give entrants the chance to win a stylish and practical HBX511 horsebox. In addition