During the Golden Age of shooting, the flatcoated retriever was the gundog of choice. But as David Tomlinson relates, it was soon to be eclipsed by the lab

During the Golden Age of shooting, flatcoated retrievers were the gundogs of choice. David Tomlinson takes a look at how the flatcoat was supplanted in the line by today’s most popular dog the world over – the labrador.

For more on flatcoated retrievers, their susceptibility to cancer must be addressed. Read flatcoated retriever: the flatcoat’s fatal flaw.

FLATCOATED RETRIEVERS

For the Edwardian country gentleman there was little choice when it came to choosing a gundog: it had to be a flatcoated retriever, the dominant canine shooting companion of its day. His gamekeeper was likely to have a curly-coated retriever at his heel, while the beaters would have been accompanied by a variety of spaniels. It wouldn’t be long before the upstart labrador started to challenge the flatcoat’s supremacy but the labrador was only recognised as a breed in its own right in 1903.

Until the start of the 20th century, spaniels were a motley lot. Big liver-and-white or black-and-white dogs were most likely called Norfolk spaniels, probably because there were a lot of them in Norfolk, while most of the others were known, somewhat loosely, as field or cocker. Weight played a major role in determining a breed. If it was under 25lb then it was a cocker, but you could give that cocker a good dinner and turn it into a field. It wasn’t until 1893 that cockers gained their place in the stud book as a proper breed, while the springer was given official recognition by the Kennel Club in 1902.

According to Dorothy Morland Hooper, writing in her classic book The Popular Springer Spaniel (1963), “great interest in the working ability of Spaniels developed during the 1890s and the first field trial was held by the Sporting Spaniel Club on Mr William Arkwright’s estate at Sutton Scarsdale, Derbyshire, on January 3, 1899… none of the winners was a Springer.” She goes on to note that it wasn’t until 1901 that a springer, a dog called Tring, won a trial for the first time.

Today, the Clumber spaniel has enjoyed something of a renaissance as a shooting dog but its peak of popularity in the shooting field was in the later years of the 19th century, when it enjoyed royal patronage. King Edward VII was, as Prince of Wales, a passionate sportsman and well aware of the importance of good dogs to a successful day’s shooting. The kennels at Sandringham housed his pack of Clumber spaniels, a breed he was particularly fond of, believing them to be the best dogs for working the heavy cover, bracken and rhododendrons of his mother’s 30,000-acre Norfolk estate. King George V was also a Clumber enthusiast and was, arguably, the last great patron of a disappearing breed.

The first retriever trials were held in the early years of the past century. There were only a few each season and they were highly sociable affairs, with the owners typically partying at a nearby country house. Participation was by invitation only. However, despite a delightfully amateur approach, there was serious prize money at stake. The initial trial held in conjunction with the Kennel Club took place at Horstead Hall, Norwich, in November 1906. First prize was £50, with £30 for the runner-up. Allowing for inflation, £50 then is equivalent to nearly £6,000 today. Prizes in trials haven’t kept pace with inflation: the winner of the most recent IGL Retriever Championship received a cheque for £100.

EARLY RETRIEVER TRIALS

Those early retriever trials were dominated by flatcoats, and successful dogs sold for considerable sums. In 1908, H Reginald Cooke, the doyen of the flatcoat world, turned down an offer of 260 guineas (about £30,000) for one of his champion dogs. However, the days of flatcoat dominance were nearing their end. The following year saw a labrador bitch called Dungavel Phoebe win the first-ever retriever championship, held at Little Green, Havant. Owned by the Duchess of Hamilton, Phoebe was handled by J Alexander, who was no doubt a professional dog man.

Such a significant labrador victory saw the sporting gentlemen of the time reaching for their pens, firing off furious letters to The Field arguing the merits, or otherwise, of flatcoats and labradors. One correspondent, who mysteriously signed himself as M, noted that flatcoats were inclined to be “slack on a hot day in the heather”, and that the labrador was “the better dog for certain work, such as picking-up after grouse or partridge drive”. M clearly tried to be fair but his concluding remark suggests his loyalty. “Given a good scent, I notice the Labrador easily beats the Flatcoated and has birds quicker. Given a bad scent, the Flatcoated will equal the Labrador, and probably beat him.”

In 1912 a flatcoat did win the Championship, the one and only victory scored by the breed in more than 100 years of competition.

The rise of the labrador was astonishingly rapid, leading to the almost total eclipse of the flatcoat. Curiously, the Kennel Club first allowed the registration of golden retrievers in 1903, as flatcoats, yellow or golden, and it wasn’t until 1913 that they were finally recognised as a breed in their own right. They soon became popular as both companions and working dogs, but their impact on the world of trialling was minimal and it wasn’t until 1937 that a golden won the Championship for the first time.

Today, looking back to what many regard as the pivotal period in the development of the modern gundog, it’s difficult not to feel nostalgia for a world when gundogs didn’t die of inherited diseases and you couldn’t check a dog’s COI (coefficient of inbreeding) on your computer. Remove the rose-tinted spectacles and it was probably not that wonderful – but it was certainly interesting.

Little Miss Sure Shot was not only a talented athlete but an inspiration and role model for lady guns, as BASC’s Bill Harriman explains

Annie Oakley was a woman ahead of her time. An international superstar and remarkable athlete, Little Miss Sure Shot paved the way for lady guns and still inspires today. BASC’s Bill Harriman pays tribute to a sporting hero.

For more Sporting Dianas, seriously sporting ladies offering advice and encouragement, Emma Ford opened the first dedicated falconry school in the world. And Joint Master of the Bicester Lucy Holland is at home on a skeleton run or grouse moor as she is in the saddle.

ANNIE OAKLEY

Annie Oakley is my hero, her feats of marksmanship legendary. However, she was so much more than just a crack shot. She was an international superstar and a remarkable athlete. Most of all, she was a woman ahead of her time, not only virtuous and deeply feminine but someone who promoted self-determination in others. In short, she was a remarkable person.

Phoebe Ann Mosey was born of Quaker parents on 13 August 1860 in Ohio. Her folks were not well off and both her father and stepfather died when she was still a child. After a spell of domestic drudgery, Oakley ran away back to her family. Her mother had remarried and they were now reasonably comfortable. To help make ends meet, Oakley started to shoot game, which was sold to hotels in Cincinnati. In a 1914 interview, she recalled that: “When I first started shooting in the fields of Ohio my gun was a single-barrelled muzzle-loader and as well as I can remember was 16-bore. I used black powder, cut my own wads out of cardboard boxes and thought I had the best gun on earth. Anyway, I managed to kill many ruffed grouse, quail and rabbits, all of which were quite plentiful in those days.”

Oakley’s fame as a hunter attracted the attention of Cincinnati hotelier Jack Frost, who organised a live-pigeon match between Oakley and a young Irish trap shooter named Frank Butler. Oakley won by one bird; Butler fell in love with her and married her in 1876 when she was just 16. Oakley decided she needed a stage name and as she and Frank had met at the shooting grounds in Oakley, she styled herself “Annie Oakley”.
It was at this time that Oakley met the great Sioux chief, Sitting Bull. He was staggered by her abilities and believed that so sure an aim must have been supernaturally blessed. He christened her “Watanya Cicilia” or “Little Sure Shot”. The name stuck.

Little Miss Sure Shot was an avid game-shot and countrywoman.

The Butlers joined Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show. By now, the Old West was disappearing as railways connected the continent. A newspaper advertisement read: “A visit West in three hours to see scenes that have cost thousands their lives to view”. Here was a chance for city dwellers to get a taste of frontier life, complete with real Indians, cowboys, Cavalry troopers, rough-riding cowgirls, settlers in log cabins, bison and the famous stagecoach, which was the subject of a running fight with the savages.

The Wild West Show was a resounding success, inspiring Cody to take it to Europe. In 1887, they were summoned to a Royal Command Performance at Windsor. Oakley was presented to HM Queen Victoria, who remarked: “You are a very, very, clever little girl.” Oakley also gave shooting lessons for ladies at Charles Lancaster’s shooting school, conferring respectability on women’s shooting in Britain.

Oakley was an avid game-shot and countrywoman who loved to relax outdoors with rod and gun. During her stay, she was the guest of several sporting estates, including that of Richard Clark near Shrewsbury.

The Wild West Show toured Europe and Oakley once shot a cigarette from the German Kaiser’s lips without even grazing the spike on his Imperial Majesty’s helmet. Returning to the US, the Butlers were now part of an expanded Wild West Show. This was a fantastic extravaganza that dealt in nostalgia as, by this time, nothing remained of the real Wild West.

In 1922, Oakley was injured in a car accident and had to wear a leg brace for the rest of her life. That did not stop her shooting, demonstrating that disabled people are not disadvantaged in shooting sports. She died of pernicious anaemia on 3 November 1926 and her memory is honoured by a marker on Route 27, north of Greenville, Ohio.

In her professional life, Oakley used many guns by American makers, including Winchester, Stevens, Remington, Colt and Marlin. One of her Parker Bros shotguns made $143,000 when it was sold in 2012. A smooth-bored Winchester rifle designed to fire fine birdshot made £84,000 in 1993. She also favoured English guns and had examples from Charles Lancaster, Pryse & Cashmore and WC Scott.

Today, free tickets to events are still known as “Annie Oakleys”, from the small hole punched in them. This is said to remind people of the bullet holes she shot in the original freebies to the Wild West Show.

ANNIE OAKLEY’S TOP TIP: “Aim at a high mark and you’ll hit it. No, not the first time, nor the second time. Maybe not the third. But keep on aiming and keep on shooting for only practice will make you perfect.” Sound advice, which I have always found inspirational.

Bring back the savoury course with Philippa Davis' dried fig, pigeon breast and smoked bacon skewers on toast. A simple recipe that can be made ahead of a supper party

During the Golden Era of fieldsports, dinners wouldn’t end with a pudding or cheeseboard. Instead, a savoury course was brought out – to aid digestion and invigorate the diner’s palate for more drink. Bring back this forgotten course with Philippa Davis’ modern alternative. Try dried fig, pigeon breast and smoked bacon skewers on toast, an easy recipe to make ahead of a supper party.

Today the savoury course is usually served as canapes. For more moreish morsels try one of our favourite recipes, pheasant samosas.

DRIED FIG, PIGEON BREAST AND SMOKED BACON SKEWERS ON TOAST

The idea of serving a savoury course was probably more appealing when you had a house full of staff, as it is not much fun dashing back to the kitchen at that stage of the evening to do yet more cooking.

All these recipes are designed to be made ahead and easily finished at the last minute. For this recipe, make sure you use fresh, plump pigeon breasts.

• 4 pigeon breasts, each cut into 4 strips
• 2 tsp finely chopped thyme
• 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 8 dried figs, cut in half
• 3 tbsp cognac or brandy
• 8 rashers smoked streaky bacon, cut in half vertically
• 3-4 tsp wholegrain mustard
• 16 tooth picks

To serve

• 4 pieces of toast, crusts off, each cut into 4 small squares
• 16 small sprigs watercress

Season the pigeon slices then marinate in the thyme, balsamic, Worcestershire sauce and olive oil for 1 hour.

Soak the figs in cognac for 1 hour.

Lay the bacon strips out and spread them with a thin layer of mustard.

Place a slice of pigeon inside the fig and wrap the bacon around it.

Secure with a tooth pick and place on a baking sheet. Repeat with the rest then store in the fridge.

To cook, Preheat the grill to high. Grill for about 8 minutes, turning once.

Place on a warm piece of toast with a few leaves of watercress.

Sharing gallery space alongside Archibald Thorburn is an enormous honour, contemporary bird artist Jim Starr tells Janet Menzies

In an unprecedented departure from the previous generation, Archibald Thorburn neglected scientific accuracy in favour of breathing life into his paintings’ subjects. Today there are more prints of Thorburn paintings in circulation than any other artist in the genre. Jim Starr tell Janet Menzies that sharing gallery space with the iconic sporting artist is an honour.

For more sporting artist, James Ward led the way for change with his work. And for more on Jim Starr, read Jim Starr, sporting artist.

ARCHIBALD THORBURN

Few of us have actually seen a polar bear, a condor or even a golden eagle for that matter. But thanks to the efforts of Sir David Attenborough and the BBC Natural History Unit, we feel as if we have. Imagine a time when there weren’t even photographs to feed our curiosity about a world of unseen wildlife. Archibald Thorburn (1860-1935) was the first wildlife artist to have his work reproduced photographically and, today, there are more prints of Thorburn paintings in circulation than those of any other painter in the genre. Even quite keen wildlife fans are more likely to have seen a Thorburn black grouse than a real black grouse.

A Frosty Dawn.

This was certainly the case when contemporary bird artist Jim Starr – whose work has just been exhibited alongside Thorburn at the Rountree Tryon Galleries at Petworth – was a boy. “Thorburn’s Birds, by James Fisher, was the first bird book given me by Mum and Dad when I was eight or nine years old, and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing on the page,” Starr remembers. “It has been on my shelf for 30 years and I keep going back to it. It is difficult to separate the nostalgia from Thorburn’s art. It takes me back to being a young child looking at a painting of a golden eagle and this is my first experience of it, through Thorburn. Thorburn’s bird paintings have left an indelible mark on me. As a child they were my experience of birds because I hadn’t seen them in the wild.”

Thorburn’s work was not only the first to be so accessibly reproduced but it was a departure from the previous generation of bird paintings by John Gould, Edward Lear and John James Audubon.

A Fox in a Winter Landscape.

Contemporary bird artist Rodger McPhail, considered by many to be the present-day successor to Thorburn, explains the new elements Thorburn brought to the genre: “None could render the softness of a bird’s plumage or breathe life into his subjects as he did. His mastery of watercolour and body colour technique was stunning. I have admired Thorburn’s work since I was a small boy. In my personal view, Thorburn’s most pleasing works are his field sketches. Not just birds but small mammals, flowers, fungi and insects. These sketches are beautifully executed with great accuracy and economy of brushwork.”

The previous generation of ornithological artists had been particularly concerned to depict a bird with near-scientific precision, and this was only appropriate. Gould, for example, was working alongside Charles Darwin – especially in depicting the species variation of finches that played a vital role in Darwin’s evolution theories. Thorburn, however, took a more narrative approach to his work, showing habitat, weather and the birds’ interaction with each other. Looking at his covey of ptarmigan huddled together on a snowy scree slope, you can almost hear the hushed tones of an Attenborough voiceover. It is a fuller experience than simply admiring the brilliant plumage of one of Audubon’s colourful birds.

A SCOTTISH UPBRINGING

Thorburn’s ability to empathise with birds in their natural surroundings probably comes from his upbringing in Scotland. He was born in Dumfries and his father, Robert Thorburn, was miniaturist to Queen Victoria.
He was sent down to England to study at the newly founded St John’s Wood School of Art in London but left as soon as he could.

Hungry and Homeless.

Thorburn’s breakthrough came in 1887 when he was commissioned to illustrate Lord Lilford’s Coloured Figures of the Birds of the British Isles. His nearly 300 watercolours for the book were met with general delight and from there he went on to illustrate his own and many other wildlife and natural history books. The first of his famous RSPB Christmas cards was produced in 1899 and became an annual tradition throughout his life.

Though so widely recognised, not every Christmas card painting could be a masterpiece, given how many he painted, and McPhail points out: “Though beautifully painted, the endless pictures of partridges, pheasants, woodcock and grouse tend to be rather repetitive. Many of these potboilers are rather mannered and the proportions of the birds questionable. Nor was he at his best when painting flying birds but he did not have the advantage of high-speed photography that is such an aid to contemporary wildlife painters.”

Taking Flight

“I think he is arguably one of the best bird painters there is and I know because I have tried copying some of his illustrations,” says Starr. “He has a red grouse on the same page as black grouse and pheasants, and I tried copying these plates line by line and I don’t think there is anyone who can match him for feather details and habitat in the background. His use of white paint is just amazing, because he was working in watercolour with highlights of white. I have spent hours just looking at the backgrounds and at the pheasants. They are iconic images. It is just such an incredible honour to realise my work is hanging alongside his.”

Works illustrated by Thorburn include Thorburn’s Birds; Coloured Figures of the Birds of the British Isles; British Birds; The Birds of the British Isles and Their Eggs; The Complete Illustrated Thorburn’s Birds. Paintings are often exhibited at the Rountree Tryon Galleries, www.rountreetryon.com

Bring back the savoury course of the Golden Era with Philippa Davis' double baked bacon and Stilton soufflé with crushed walnuts

In the Golden Era of fieldsports, supper was concluded not with a cheese board or pud, but a savoury course. Bring back this forgotten course with Philippa Davis’ double baked bacon and stilton soufflé with crushed walnuts. You can make it ahead of time to avoid any sinking soufflé disasters.

For more ideas for a savoury course, try our dried fig, pigeon breast and smoked bacon skewers on toast.

DOUBLE BAKED BACON AND STILTON SOUFFLE WITH CRUSHED WALNUTS

If the idea of making soufflés worries you, this doubled-baked version is the perfect solution as it’s made ahead of time so you are assured of success.

• 75g butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 140g finely chopped leek (1 medium leek, approx)
• 100g finely chopped smoked bacon
• 40g plain flour
• 230ml whole milk
• 225g stilton
• 3 eggs, separated
• 50g finely chopped walnuts
• 5 tbsp double cream

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4.

With 15g of the butter, grease five ramekins and coat with about 20g of the chopped walnuts.

In a pan, sauté the leeks and bacon in the olive oil and 20g of the butter until soft. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a small bowl.

In the same pan (no need to wash), melt 40g of the butter then add the flour and stir.

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly. Cook on a very low heat until it becomes a thick paste then take off the heat and crumble in 125g of the stilton, add the leeks and bacon.

Leave to cool for a couple of minutes before whisking in the egg yolks and transferring to a big mixing bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they are stiff then gently fold into the cheese mixture.

Carefully fill the ramekins and then level the tops.

Place them in a deep baking dish and pour just-boiled water around the sides until it comes halfway up the ramekins.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Leave to cool slightly then loosen the sides with a knife and gently tip out onto a lined baking tray.

You can leave them at this stage for at least a day in the fridge until ready to bake.

To serve, spoon over the cream and crumble over the rest of the stilton.

Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.

Sprinkle over the rest of the ground walnuts and serve straight away.

Chef José Souto is keen on cooking with wild Alaska salmon, and will be doing so in The Field Kitchen theatre, at this year's Game Fair at Ragley Hall. But why does Alaska salmon get his vote?

The Game Fair celebrates 60 years at Ragley this July. And in The Field Kitchen Theatre, José Souto will be cooking with wild Alaska salmon. But why?

JOSE SOUTO, GAME CHEF

José Souto, a chef and senior chef lecturer in culinary arts, says:

“I am super careful about what I promote. When choosing food to cook and to use for teaching, sustainability and responsible food sourcing are vital and essential factors. Having visited Alaska, I know from personal experience that it is one of the world’s leading authorities on fish stock management. Wild seafood from this part of North America has both superior texture and exquisite flavour, making it amazing to cook with. That’s why I choose wild Alaska salmon.”

Chef José Souto has good reason to prefer cooking with wild Alaska salmon

ALASKA SOCKEYE SALMON

Wild sockeye salmon are born in Alaskan rivers and make their way to sea. There they spend three or four years in the sea before returning to their natural birth spot for spawning. Many millions of salmon are caught every year for human consumption. However Alaskan salmon fisheries manage fish stocks conservatively by setting escapement goals. These enable sufficient numbers to evade capture and make their way to the spawning grounds.

WILD ALASKA SALMON MANAGEMENT

Copper River salmon are counted using sonar. Other fisheries use flying surveys or visually count the fish by video or from stands as they migrate upstream. To prevent overfishing in some areas, anglers are allocated a specified time to fish – called an opener – which is determined by the number caught. This however is not a one-size-fits-all policy across Alaska’s fisheries. Systems of management vary throughout Alaska.

UK SALMON MANAGEMENT

The sustainability programme we have in the UK is very different. Quotas are set a long time after studies have been done, In Alaskan fisheries instant tactical decisions are made daily by a process called ‘in season management’, counting the individual salmon as they swim up the rivers. 

FIRST FOR TASTE AND FLAVOUR 

Wild salmon fishing in the UK is not sustainable. Therefore I will be cooking with wild Alaska sockeye salmon at The Game Fair this year. The sockeye salmon, similar to our wild salmon in the UK, is small with a really rich and deep red colour. The flesh has a muscular texture, yet still contains all the omega 3 oils found in oily fish. As it is a very lean meat, great care has to be taken over its cooking. Overcook it at your peril –a dry fish will ensue. Based purely and simply on taste and texture, wild Alaska sockeye salmon is the undoubted winner.

MEET ME AT THE GAME FAIR

Come and see Alaska wild salmon being cooked by José Souto at The Field Kitchen Theatre this year

I’m looking forward to talking through Alaska’s sustainability programme and sharing my wild Alaska salmon recipes at The Game Fair this year. I’ll be demonstrating how to prepare some starter dishes using wild Alaska sockeye salmon in The Field Kitchen Theatre.

A TASTE OF ALASKA AT THE FIELD KITCHEN THEATRE 

• Ceviche, raw salmon with a lovely citrus dressing.
• How to hot smoke salmon and what you can do with it.
• Wild Alaska salmon tartare with capers and gherkins, very refreshing and perfect for hot weather.

Please come and join me at The Field Kitchen Theatre. I look forward to seeing you all there.

The Game Fair takes place at Ragley hall in Warwickshire from Friday 27 July to Sunday 29 July, 2018.

So, where to find a car in keeping with the Golden Era? Haynes International Motor Museum had just the thing, as Charlie Flindt discovered

In a return to the Golden Era of fieldsports, Charlie Flindt drives a piece of motoring history – the 1930 Bentley 4.5 litre. Quite unexpectedly, it’s not long before he starts to feel at home behind the wheel.

For a Bentley suitable for the modern country gentleman, read Bentley Bentayga Mulliner “Field Sports”.

1930 BENTLEY 4.5 LITRE

When asked by the Editor to find something suitable to drive for this month’s Golden Era Anniversary Special, I thought it would be a logistical and practical nightmare. Where in the name of blazes does one find such a machine that is both roadworthy and available for some lumpen-footed buffoon like me to drive?

I hadn’t reckoned with the team at The Haynes International Motor Museum at Sparkford in Somerset – you’ll have seen its brown signs as you hurtle up and down the A303. “Yup, we’ve got just the thing. Come on down,” said the commercial director. And just before the receiver hit the cradle, I’m sure I heard a cry of, “Fire up the Bentley!”

Several dials require repair work.

And so it was that a few days later, I was at the wheel of a very expensive piece of motoring history: a 1930 Bentley 4.5 litre, trying to remember the key points of the short briefing I’d just had. “It’s a crash gearbox and the throttle pedal and brake pedal are reversed,” were the two big ones.

Oddly, and quite against all my expectations, I soon felt at home. Perhaps it was the agricultural feel of the beast – four long gears that needed careful matching of engine revs, all-round drum brakes of questionable efficiency and a long bonnet like the Super Major on which I learnt to drive.

Confidence built as we made our way along the old A303 to the north of Camelot, with the huge engine block finally warming up and accepting the hand-adjustable fuel and ignition settings we were suggesting. As speed picked up, the steering got lighter – thank goodness – but wheel wobble got worse. Not sure what a Kwik Fit fitter would have made of this if the Bentley had arrived on his forecourt, though. We had the road almost to ourselves – and those who did pass grinned and waved; it was the automotive equivalent of haymaking – everyone loves you.

The writer takes to the open road.

I could also relax because the Bentley was nicely aged. Not many dials worked, the seats were worn and (rumour has it) the steering wheel wasn’t original. It hasn’t been given the full Haynes treatment in the stunning workshop – I met a man who had just finished hand forming a new DB4 nearside door from a sheet of aluminium. I struggle to make a proper paper dart.

The drive in the Bentley was over far too soon. My gear-changes were crunch-free, my speed was picking up but I suspect that I was getting cocky and it was only a matter of time before the reverse pedal configuration would be forgotten, with consequences that don’t bear thinking about. But for a few short English miles, on a cool English March day with dirty snow refusing to let go of the raised verges, I was Bond, I was TH White. I was lucky enough to be in charge of a British motoring legend.

So, next time you’re hurtling down the new A303, pause. Head into Sparkford, find the museum and seek out the glorious Bentley 4.5 litre. You may not be lucky enough to drive it but doff your hat. It’s the least it deserves.

1930 BENTLEY 4.5 LITRE

Founded by John Haynes OBE in 1985 with 30 vehicles, the Haynes International Motor Museum now houses the UK’s largest collection of motorcars and motorbikes from around the world. More than 400 vehicles, dating from the late 19th century to today, are on show. Find it just off the A303 at Sparkford, near Yeovil.
Tel: 01963 440804
www.haynesmotormuseum.com

Having settled, once again, on a spaniel, David Tomlinson finds the hardest decision is still to come. Which of the six breeds should he pick?

As a gundog writer, David Tomlinson knows more about our six spaniel breeds than most. So he is faced with a tricky decision in his search for a new puppy. Which is the best spaniel breed? We weigh up the options.

David Tomlinson is hedging his bets with a sprocker, but she won’t look out of place when she makes it to the line. The supremacy of the pedigrees is coming to an end. Read crossbreed gundogs: the day of the crossbreed?

BEST SPANIEL BREED

I’ve shared most of my life with spaniels. My first, when I was 13, was a cocker but for the past 35 years it has been English springers, all from the same line. Sadly, that line is coming to a natural end as my current springer, Rowan, is now 12, with no successors. Time to consider a new recruit. For a while I toyed with the idea of something different, such as a Spanish water dog (surprisingly competent gundogs), however, the choice eventually came back to a spaniel, but what sort?

As a professional writer on gundogs I’m familiar with our six native spaniels – English springer, Welsh springer, cocker, field, Sussex and Clumber – and have seen delightful working examples of each. (The Irish water spaniel is in a category of its own and the Kennel Club classifies it as a retriever in competition and a spaniel on the show bench.) It could be argued that I know a little too much about each breed, which is why the decision as to what to get became complicated.

Take the Welsh springer. Though I’ve seen lots of ugly English springers, I’ve never seen a Welsh springer that was anything other than handsome. Most are beautifully marked with that wonderful shade of rich red contrasting with white. Their looks explain why they are so popular in the show ring: at Crufts, there are invariably as many Welsh springers as English, despite the fact that annual registrations are a fraction of those of the latter. Last year, a mere 362 Welsh springer puppies were registered with the Kennel Club, compared with 9,958 English.

I like the looks of the Welsh springer and admire the cheerful temperament but the breed has one great disadvantage for anyone looking for a working dog, as so few Welsh springers are worked. To find a puppy from good working stock is challenging. Though I’ve seen a few Welsh springers that hunted and retrieved well, I’ve never seen one with the passion and drive of even a moderately talented English springer. I’m sure that this could be changed if a few serious working gundog enthusiasts decided to take on the breed, but this seems as likely as Jeremy Corbyn taking up hunting.

LACK OF WORKING BLOOD

Lack of working blood is also a problem with both Sussex and field spaniels. Some years ago at the Game Fair I was given a badge with the slogan “Field spaniels need field sports”, which is certainly true. Sadly, few get the chance. Field spaniels are handsome dogs, with what is arguably the best head of any of the spaniels, but this is a breed that is sliding slowly but surely towards extinction. Last year just 50 puppies were registered, and I doubt if any of them will ever discover the joys of working for the gun.

Sussex spaniels suffer from a similar problem. Last year 56 puppies were registered, but such a small gene pool invariably means genetic health issues. I’ve met more than one ill-tempered Sussex, so don’t believe all you read about how this is a calm, easy-going breed. It has numerous health problems, ranging from hip dysplasia to pulmonary valve stenosis, patent ductus arteriosis, intervertebral disc disease, hypertrophy and various eye troubles. Much as I like my vet, I don’t want to be visiting his surgery too often.

The working cocker has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years, so it would be fascinating to know how many of the 23,317 puppies registered last year were from working as opposed to show/pet stock. I would guess the proportion is quite significant. Frustratingly, there is a problem with too many working cockers sharing similar genetic lines, largely due to the popularity of a few highly successful stud dogs. However, choose your breeder carefully and you can find biddable working puppies that come from healthy stock, not sharing the same sires on both sides of the pedigree. A cocker was high on my list of possibilities.

I didn’t discount the Clumber, either. I have much admiration for those enthusiasts who have devoted so much time and energy to restoring the Clumber as a proper shooting dog, and I have enjoyed some memorable days shooting over these big white spaniels. However, the downside of the Clumber is that you have to pay a premium for a Clumber of proven working stock – £1,000-plus for a puppy is quite usual. This may be modest compared with the ridiculous cost of, say, a French bulldog, but they are high compared with a springer or cocker.

In the end, I decided to hedge my bet: I chose a sprocker. As a cross between an English springer and a cocker, the sprocker isn’t recognised by the Kennel Club but that’s immaterial to me as I don’t compete with my dogs. Sprocker enthusiasts claim that the cross produces the best of both breeds, while others say the opposite. Accusations that the sprocker is a designer-dog, like the labradoodle, are wrong, for it’s simply spaniel crossed with spaniel. This is largely what appealed to me. My puppy is from health-tested parents but is genetically an out-bred dog, with no shared parentage for many generations. Hopefully, this will mean a healthy dog. Time will tell.

Bring back the forgotten savoury course of the Golden Era, with Philippa Davis' moreish parmesan, rosemary and pepper gougeres

During the Golden Era of fieldsports, it was customary to conclude supper with a savoury course rather than a cheeseboard or pud. Bring back the forgotten savoury course with Philippa Davis’ parmesan, rosemary and pepper gougeres. Simple and incredibly moreish, serve after supper when they are still warm from the oven.

For more savoury course inspiration, try our dried fig, pigeon breast and smoked bacon skewers on toast.

PARMESAN, ROSEMARY AND PEPPER GOUGERES

These are incredibly moreish, no matter how full you think you are. I like to serve them warm in bowls placed down the table so guests can help themselves to as many as they feel able.

• 1 heaped tsp black peppercorns, medium ground in a pestle and mortar
• 230ml cold water
• 60g unsalted butter
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• 130g plain flour
• 4 free-range eggs
• 120g Parmesan
• 2 tsp finely chopped chives
• 1 ½ tsp finely chopped rosemary

Preheat the oven to 170°C/325°F/Gas Mark 3.

Weigh out your ingredients and line two flat oven trays with baking paper.

In a saucepan, gently heat the ground peppercorns for a couple of minutes (this will help release their oils and pepperiness).

Add the water and butter and heat until it just comes to a simmer and the butter is melted. Immediately dump in the flour and sea salt and stir.

Cook for a couple of minutes until you have a thick paste then spoon into a food processor.

Leave to cool for five minutes then place on the lid and start the motor.

Add the eggs one at a time then the cheese and finally the herbs.

Scoop into a piping bag and pipe drops roughly the size of a 50p piece onto trays.

Bake for about 20 minutes, swapping round the baking trays halfway through.

Remove from the oven. These can be eaten straight away or reheated in a hot oven for a couple of minutes when required.

What was a golden age for fieldsports was a depressing time for British farming, although all those unproductive acres might inadvertently have resulted in maximising sporting potential

While fieldsports enjoyed a Golden Era, farming suffered the Great Depression of British Agriculture. Tim Field looks back on farming’s history during the Golden Era, and how the depression successfully maximised sporting potential.

From farming’s history, to its future. Tim Field considers how in a post-Brexit world, we have the opportunity of a lifetime to set agricultural policy. Read post-Brexit agricultural policy: the opportunity of a lifetime.

THE GREAT DEPRESSION OF BRITISH AGRICULTURE

Crimson hillsides of sainfoin fed stables of horse power and sustained fertility in the soils. Estates supported huge communities with labourers who worked the land. In the early and mid 19th century rural landowners were the wealthiest class in the wealthiest nation, growing nearly 10 million acres of cereals. However, by the late 19th century the days of wealth and prosperity in farming had slipped away as we entered the Great Depression of British Agriculture. The social and physical landscape changed substantially.

The problems were primarily market driven, originating from the Repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846 (simply, a lift on food import tariffs in the name of free trade). However, it was improvements in shipping and mechanisation of foreign agriculture later in the century that saw British corn and meat prices suffer. The trade of manufactured goods and the cheapness of imported food were no doubt popular with the growing industrial, wage-earning communities but such was the crisis that unfolded in agriculture the first Government Board of Agriculture was formed and a Minister appointed in 1889. The cheapest corn prices in a century led to the poorer lands reverting to grazing; but shirking the expense of grass seed and cultivation, marginal arable areas were allowed to succumb to rough pasture. By 1900, the area under wheat was just 50% of the 1872 acreage. Even beef and sheep were struggling due to imports, with overseas markets able to feed stock at lower cost than our domestic producers.

The late 19th century was a difficult time for the wealthy and landed gentry who could no longer boast about their vast acres of productive agriculture. Perhaps this acted as a catalyst, with them focusing on the pursuit of increasingly fine sport that their unproductive farmland must have offered. The fallow lands presented wild game with abundant cover, while the affordable labour and lean times must have favoured efficient vermin control, game and land management to provide optimum sporting potential.

VIABLE AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES

Of the more viable agricultural enterprises, market gardening and milk production made the most of fresh produce’s inability to be transported any great distance. For horticulture, soil fertility was well served by the abundant supplies of stable manure that could be obtained from the ever-growing industrial towns. By the end of the 19th century, farm labourers were driven from agriculture into any other employment available, often in the towns. Only the most tenacious farmers succeeded, however, and during the First World War a large amount of skills, muscle and horses were lost to the front line. These challenges notwithstanding, by 1917 the war effort did spur one million acres of UK soil back under tillage and allotment numbers nearly trebled, as our reliance on food imports became the target of German U-boats.

While advances in transport engineering made overseas markets closer and more competitive, the revolution in certain farm practices, equipment and innovation made floundering British agriculture more efficient. Interest in seed breeding and fertiliser additives was stimulated and in livestock, the period saw the birth of a flurry of breed books and societies, established to focus on improvements to genetics and the value of animals.

Horses remained the primary source of power for production, though as steam began to find its way into agriculture it marked the beginning of the end for working horses. The ploughs, rakes, harvesters and rollers improved greatly, too. In 1871, Henry Bamford and his son, Samuel, founded a farm machinery and engine company that rode the crest of a wave for a century; its legacy continues today. The initials of Henry Bamford’s great grandson, Joseph Cyril, are carried on the majority of yellow farm machines today. The Bamford business came of age in 1881 with the introduction of a highly successful horsedrawn mower, the “Royal” No 5 (pictured above). The Royal leant its fortunes to a design incorporating extra-high wheel positioning, “enabling the horse to trot without injury to the machine”.

With modern politics presenting such uncertain times, a number of industry commentators have likened the current rhetoric to the Repeal of the Corn Laws. Could we see history repeating itself? While swamping our nation with cheaper imports from abroad is a genuine concern, the growing favourability of sainfoin, innovation in tillage techniques and the popularity of low-input, grass-fed breeds hint at a landscape that could also support more than just farming. Let us pray that we are not facing another great agricultural depression but, instead, heading into another Golden Era of fieldsports.

Follow Tim and Agricology @agricology

Using her extensive experience to launch Ladyfisher, Dani Morey is keen to introduce as many ladies as possible to the sport of fishing

Dani Morey was taught to fish as soon as she could stand. Having seen other women sitting on the bank without the confidence to pick up a rod, she now runs Ladyfisher to encourage women into fishing.

For more sporting Dianas, seriously sporting ladies offering advice and encouragement, Annie Oakley was a talented athlete, role model and woman ahead of her time. And Emma Ford opened the first dedicated falconry school in the world.

DANI MOREY

It’s all my grandfather’s fault. He went to an auction to buy some golf clubs, bid on the wrong lot and came home with a set of fishing rods. Years later, my father decided that a daughter could do anything a son could do and taught me to fish as soon as I could stand. I haven’t looked back. From those early days on his lakes, the chalkstreams of Hampshire and Dorset and on to the wilds of Scotland, I’ve been well and truly “hooked”. Despite having fished in a few exotic locations there’s nowhere that quite gets my pulse racing as casting a fly on the Spey.

Over the years I’d introduced many people to the delights of salmon fishing but more often than not it was my girlfriends who wanted to have a go but didn’t know how to go about it or thought that there was no way they’d ever be able to cast a decent line. I’ve seen countless wives and girlfriends sitting in a hut or on the bank watching and not having the confidence to give it a go. I started taking them aside, finding a quiet spot and giving them a few pointers. This grew until it reached the point where I had to put a business head on and “Ladyfisher” was born.

I’ve been fortunate to spend a lot of time with some of the greats of the fishing world, not least Ian Gordon, and some brilliant gillies, including Robert Mitchell on the Macallan beat. They’ve encouraged me and given me opportunities that I could only have dreamed of. I’m now able to share those opportunities and the skills I’ve learnt through offering guided days alongside Ian, Robert and others, as well as on my own.

Ladyfisher was born to give women the confidence to have a go at fishing.

Historically, women have had great success catching salmon but it’s still perceived as a male-dominated sport. I love challenging this notion, proving to people that fishing isn’t just a sport for men or that they don’t have to have a strong stature to cast well. I’m 5ft 2in in my heels (rather less in my waders) and constantly tell people if I can do it, anyone can. Many people make the mistake of thinking that a long line will mean that they catch more fish but when it comes to casting, length doesn’t matter. Whilst covering more water won’t hinder you, it’s far more important that you concentrate on consistency, control and neat presentation than overstretching yourself. Patience, as they say, is a virtue, nowhere more so than on the riverbank, but it’s the anticipation, the belief that on the next cast the line will tighten, the reel will scream and the challenge to land a beast is on that keeps us all going. I get so much enjoyment seeing other people hook a fish, especially their first. To witness the concentration, the determination, the culmination of all those hours practising coming to fruition in one heart-thumping moment, that look in their eyes is the greatest prize of all.

Salmon fishing shouldn’t be intimidating for girls but knowing how to find fishing, what tackle to use, where to fish and how to cast can be. Seeing their confidence grow after a few hours of guidance is a really great thing. It’s not just sharing a passion of fishing but also a love of the countryside.

The downside to guiding is that it’s not all fair-weather fishing. There’s little glamour in wearing waders that, let’s face it, aren’t exactly cut for the female form and there are days in spring when you just can’t get warm, when there’s ice floating down the river bumping you as you wade, or freezing in the rings as you pull back line. I’ve had days standing in snow storms but there’s always the warmth of the hut and a welcome dram with friends waiting for you. There’s also the issue of coping with the infamous Scottish midge, although a small mesh net over the head works.

At the end of the day, if conditions aren’t right, the midges are out, the fish aren’t taking or you’re simply not enjoying yourself, there’s no shame in retiring to the hut for a break. It’s far more important to keep up the momentum of enjoyment otherwise beginners are never going to come back for more. A good sense of humour is vital for days when everything seems to be going against you. So, too, is a sense of adventure as you never quite know what nature’s going to throw at you next but none of it is ever unsurpassable and I consider myself extremely lucky to be doing what I do.

My father once told me that no-one ever looks back on their life and wishes they’d spent more time in the office. With an office as beautiful as mine, I wouldn’t ever want to be anywhere else – especially not a golf course!

TOP TIP: Don’t cast or wade beyond your comfort zone. Only compete with yourself. Always give a generous tip to the gillie if you want to be invited back.

www.ladyfisher.co.uk
Instagram: @danimorey_ladyfisher
Email: dani@ladyfisher.co.uk

Promotional feature with Woodland Trust

You might think you already know everything you need to about the Woodland Trust. But every Field reader, be they land manager, landowner, land agent, farmer or smallholder can benefit from their focus over the last five years on identifying how farming and forestry can be better integrated so that well sited trees can support more productive farming.

THE WOODLAND TRUST

The Woodland Trust was launched in 1972. Since then it has guided and advised in the planting of over 30 million trees in all parts of the UK. It has done this in an effort to substantially increase the area of native woodland in the UK. Woodland coverage in the UK currently falls far short of woodland area in other European countries (13% in the UK compared to an average 38% in Europe). The Trust are working with a range of farmers and research institutions to show via a network of demonstration farms how trees and farming can be successfully integrated. The Trust are also working with the devolved governments to establish appropriate support mechanisms and advice to encourage landowners to take action.

Through trials and practical experience the Woodland Trust has proved that tree and shrub planting can be incorporated into many types of farming and will bring a whole host of benefits. This is often referred to as agroforestry and there is a growing interest in it from farmers, foresters and policy makers. On most farms there is a feasible and profitable reason to plant trees, either in shelterbelts, where rows of trees are planted to provide protection for crops and wildlife and to minimise soil erosion, or alley cropping, where trees are planted in wide rows with a companion crop planted between them.

THE ROLE OF TREES IN ARABLE FARMING

Planting trees on farms improves resource protection; preventing soil and crop inputs being washed or blown away as well as enhancing soil organic matter. Farm businesses can benefit from the services that agroforestry supports such as increased habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects. Growing two crops from the same land such as rows of fruit trees through arable crops, can increase overall yield and productivity. Productivity increases under agroforestry can be significant, in some cases up to 40%. Fruits, nuts and timber can provide a secondary source of income and spread risk by product diversification. Well planned agroforestry using appropriate tree species can smooth out farm labour demands and provide a more diverse source of year-round income for farm businesses and staff.

BENEFITS OF TREES TO LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY

Planting trees can benefit livestock farmers in many ways

Shade and shelter provided by trees will help improve livestock performance, health and well-being. They help animals to maintain a positive energy balance making sure they are neither too hot or too cold. This helps ensure energy is used for growth and productivity rather than to regulate their metabolism. Studies have shown that in cold, wet and windy conditions lamb losses can be reduced by up to 30% if good shelter is provided. The shelter provided by hedgerows and tree belts has the effect of increasing soil temperature in the early spring and later autumn, extending the growing season for grass and reducing the need for supplementary feed at a critical time in young animals’ development. The leaves and bark of trees can provide a good source of browse increasing nutritional diversity and improving animal health. It is well proven that trees benefit free range poultry; hens ranging on land with 20% tree cover have been found to have increased laying rates and higher shell density meaning higher output, fewer seconds eggs, and reduced losses.

Integrating trees onto farms can help businesses to be resilient, diverse and produce a combination of agricultural and wood products from the same site.

To find out more about how the Woodland Trust can support your farming endeavour, and how woodland and farming can achieve a successful, cost-effective partnership contact the Woodland Trust on 0330 333 5303 or visit the Woodland Trust.

Get game on the BBQ this summer with Philippa Davis' Lebanese grilled venison koftas with tabbouleh salad

As the heatwave presses on, dining al fresco is the only way to feast. For an easy, game supper that works best on the BBQ, try Philippa Davis’ Lebanese grilled venison koftas with tabbouleh salad. Guests will appreciate the different meat, though be careful of overcooking.

For more ideas of game suppers suitable for BBQs, try our pigeon kebabs with hare and rosemary.

LEBANESE GRILLED VENISON KOFTAS WITH TABBOULEH SALAD

Venison is one of my favourite meats to barbecue. For most people it’s a pleasant change from the usual offerings and its deep, rich flavour lends itself perfectly to the smoke and chargrilled flavour of the coals. For koftas, you want a good amount of fat in the mince so try and get some made from shoulder joint. As with all game, be careful not to overcook it or leave it hanging around for too long once hot and ready to eat.

Tabbouleh should be a bright-green, herby salad with the occasional speck of bulgar wheat. Its freshness works well with grilled meat and it is definitely best served at room temperature.

• 300g venison mince
• ½ red onion, grated
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp allspice
• ½ tsp salt
• 50g lightly roasted pine nuts
• 10g finely chopped parsley
• 10g finely chopped mint
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 skewers

For the tabbouleh

• 40g bulgar wheat
• 150ml water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 2 spring onions, ends removed and finely chopped
• 25g finely chopped parsley
• 25g finely chopped coriander
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 lemon, juice only

To serve

• 4 tbsp yogurt
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

To make the Koftas, in a bowl, mix all the ingredients together well, except for the olive oil, with a little freshly milled black pepper.

Form into four torpedo-shaped koftas around the skewers and leave to chill in the fridge for at least one hour.

To make the tabbouleh, in a pan, simmer the bulgar wheat in the water until al dente – strain off any excess water.

In a bowl, mix all the other ingredients then add the bulgar wheat and season.

To serve, brush the koftas with the olive oil. On a medium heat, grill the koftas on all sides.

Serve straight away with the tabbouleh, yogurt and parsley.

Take advantage of an exclusive ticket offer for the Concours of Elegance, a combination of astounding cars and luxury brands, in the stunning suroundings of Hampton Court Palace. Engines at the ready...

CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE

The most astonishing cars ever produced, a line-up of world-famous luxury brands, and one of the UK’s most beautiful historic settings. That’s the very successful recipe for the world-famous Concours of Elegance, which is coming to Hampton Court Palace from 31 August – 2 September this year.

LUXURY WATCHMAKERS

Presented by luxury watchmakers, A. Lange & Söhne, the Concours of Elegance prides itself on the stunningly rare and exotic collection of cars at its heart, but the event has morphed into much more than simply a line-up of exotica. Now, it is a celebration of craftsmanship, design, luxury goods, fine food and drink and superb displays of art –  the ultimate luxury weekend.

AUTOMOTIVE HIGHLIGHTS

But it is worth spending a bit of time focusing on the cars. Highlights include the one-off Ferrari 166MM/ 212 Export ‘Uovo’, designed as the ultimate sports racing car of its day, and inspired by the aeronautical training of the car’s designer, Franco Reggiani.

The streamlined Ferrari ‘Uovo’ was the ultimate sports racing car of its day.

Then there’s the unique Rolls-Royce ‘Golden Riveira’, specified by its original owner with gold-plated exterior trim as far as the eye could see.

Or take a close-up look at the Porsche 917K driven by Steve McQueen in the film, Le Mans, which then went on to win races in real life at both Dayton and Monza, among others.

Away from the cars, there’s the opportunity for a spot of luxury shopping, with pop-up boutiques from Lock & Co Hatters and Henry Poole among others, and arthouses such as Collier Dobson.

The Concours of Elegance is presented by A. Lange & Söhne.

A. Lange & Söhne will be bringing a collection of their fine timepieces, including a first public showing of the 1815 Tourbillon Enamel – limited to 100 watches, the special variation of the 1815 Tourbillon melds traditional craftsmanship with modern micromechanics.

We are offering readers a two-for-one ticket offer to the Concours of Elegance. To take advantage of the offer simply click through to the ticket page of the Concours of Elegance.

Creating a memorial to the equines that fell during the First World War was an emotional challenge, as Susan Leyland explains to Janet Menzies

With a life-long love of horses and fascinated by sculpture, Susan Leyland found herself faced with an emotional challenge in creating the War Horse Memorial Project.

For more sporting artists, Archibald Thorburn’s paintings are unique from the Golden Era of fieldsports. And James Ward also led the way for change with his work.

SUSAN LEYLAND

This time four years ago, in her studio in Florence, Italy, sculptor Susan Leyland was researching the experiences of horses, mules and donkeys during the First World War. In my study in Somerset, I was doing the same thing. The article I wrote marked the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War. Now, Leyland’s finished sculpture, The War Horse Memorial, has just been unveiled in Ascot to commemorate the end of that war. As Leyland describes her four-year journey to make the statue, we can all empathise with the challenge of creating a constructive work of art from the emotions she was going through.

“I was asked to submit drawings and ideas in June 2014 for a possible war horse sculpture and, since then, not a day has passed without me working on the War Horse Memorial Project,” Leyland explains. “I took the commission to heart from day one – it was marvellous for me as an artist to be asked to do this, but it did feel like a great responsibility.”

The memorial will act as a figurehead for a number of charities, including The Household Cavalry Foundation.

Originally conceived by Ascot businessman Alan Carr and charity guru Susan Osborne, the War Horse Memorial is a charity as well as a memorial and a sculpture, and acts as a figurehead for fundraising for a number of charities, including The Household Cavalry Foundation and the Mane Chance Sanctuary.

In creating the piece, Leyland embraced its multiple roles: “All the artists considered for the work had proved themselves as sculptors, and I think what I was able to bring was the idea of creating a horse that would stand for all horses. I had a recurrent vision of a soldier with bowed head as in The Brooding Soldier Canadian memorial. And this somehow linked with a photo of me on my horse in Scotland taken on an island while the tide was out.”

Leyland became enthralled by sculpture in the 1990s, when she discovered traditional Impruneta terracotta clay, which originally dates from the Etruscan period. Immediately she began to model horses: “I think I was remembering a small collection of white Chinese porcelain horses I used to have and, of course, my life-long love of horses. I learnt by trial and error. I wanted to create beautiful horses with fine legs but I found that it was technically impossible to do. One day I broke the horse’s legs, head and neck off one of my fired pieces and mounted what was left on an old piece of stone.”

ONE THOUSAND CHALLENGES

Since then, Leyland’s techniques have broadened but, even so, she wasn’t entirely satisfied with the legs on the War Horse model. “The challenges have been a thousand-fold – but all part of the process and arriving at the final piece. The last thing I did was to shorten all four legs of the wax maquette.”

Despite this, Leyland stresses that the emotional content of the work was the most difficult element. “It took far more energy and psychological stress than l could ever have imagined. My first thoughts were towards the future, perhaps a horse looking beyond? But the more l read about the First World War and the more photos l saw, the harder it felt to portray the depth of pain and suffering of animals during the war. My final version was not found until two years of trial to arrive at the silhouette, the position. The horse as it stands is the product of all those hundreds of changes – going to make up a horse for all horses.

Leyland found the emotional content of the work her most difficult challenge.

“Although I did not think of personal connections when l was asked to create the War Horse, I have recently discovered that my grandfather, who gave me my first pony, was a veterinary on the Eastern Front, while my great-grandfather was a doctor on the Western Front.”

Leyland completed her work in the spring and, since then, has been waiting for the patination to be finished at the Black Isle Foundry in Nairn, Inverness. “I chose not to see photographs of it,” she comments. “So I will only see the complete sculpture, as will everybody else, when it is in installed on site on the Heatherwood roundabout in Ascot.  Only then will l know or feel if l have done justice to the suffering and pain endured by equines during the First World War.”

The unveiling of the statue is the start point for a British summer celebrating the horse in art. The Osborne Studio Gallery’s exhibition, Celebrating the Turf, opens at the start of Ascot week and continues until 7 July. Former soldier Freddy Paske will be included along with Nichola Eddery, Susan Crawford, Mao Wen Biao, Katie O’Sullivan and others. So this would certainly be the time to start your equine art trail, from the War Horse Memorial at Ascot’s Heatherwood roundabout and then, after racing, on into London for more horses.

The War Horse Memorial, Heatherwood roundabout, Ascot, Berkshire. More details at www.thewarhorsememorial.org

Celebrating the Turf, 18 June to 7 July, Osborne Studio Gallery, 2 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JU. Tel: 020 7235 9667; www.osg.uk.com

Raid the drinks cabinet for that forgotten bottle of coconut rum and try Philippa Davis' barbecue piña colada. It will make the perfect final flourish to your summer BBQ

Raid the drinks cabinet and dust off the coconut rum – you are going to need it. Philippa Davis’ barbecue piña colada is an impressive final flourish to your summer barbecue party. And it can be left cooking while you enjoy the savoury courses.

As the heatwave presses on, al fresco feasting is the only way to spend the lengthy summer evenings. Combine this with a game supper and your guests will be delighted. For game recipe ideas best for picnics, BBQs and general summer supping, read the top 7 best summer game recipes.

BARBECUE PINA COLADA

I am a huge cocktail fan but admit the coconut rum had been sitting at the back of the cabinet collecting dust until I came up with this luscious summer barbecue dessert. The bottle is now nearly empty and its replacement on the shopping list. The grilled fresh pineapple makes the dish not too sweet and it does of course look fabulous. It is best to grill the pineapple first and let it sit and marinate while you cook and eat the savoury courses.

Serves 4

• 320ml coconut cream, the liquid separated from the solids
• 200ml double cream
• 4 tbsp icing sugar
• 2 tsp coconut flavouring
• 8 slices pineapple, skin removed
• 100ml coconut flavoured rum
• 24 cherries, stones removed
• 2 tbsp finely chopped mint
• 2 tbsp toasted desiccated coconut

Chill your coconut cream for 1 hour (this will help it separate). Divide the liquid from the solids.

In a bowl, whisk the solid coconut cream with the double cream, icing sugar and coconut flavouring until lightly whipped.

When the barbecue is hot, grill the pineapple slices each side and place in a shallow dish.

Pour over the coconut cream liquid and rum, add the cherries and leave to macerate for at least 30 minutes.

To serve, layer the cherries, cream and pineapple in stacks two high, drizzle with some of the macerating juice and sprinkle with mint and desiccated coconut. Serve at once.

Funky styling and tiny dimensions don’t shriek “farm vehicle” but Charlie Flindt finds this model could be the perfect farm runaround – with the odd modification

Charlie Flindt is impressed by the Suzuki Ignis Allgrip, and finds it could fill a gap that countryfolk of the shires have been waiting for – but, no, not the Defender.

For another runaround that, though bottom of the range, proves itself a fun drive, read our review of the Hyundai i20 1.2S.

SUZUKI IGNIS ALLGRIP

Throughout rural Britain, countryfolk are waiting to see what machine will finally step in to fill the gap left by one of the most practical and competent 4x4s that the muddy shires have ever seen. No, not the Defender. I mean the Mk1 Fiat Panda 4×4.

It was a legend among the mud-plugging cognoscenti: light, nimble, go-anywhere but highly susceptible to rust and unreliability. But, then again, it was a 1980’s Fiat. There have been more Pandas, of course, but none has recreated the simple charm of the original.

Light and easy controls.

Suzuki’s small 4x4s have come closest to the Panda spirit but even they haven’t had the same attraction – until now. The new Ignis has been fitted with Suzuki’s highly successful all-wheel drive system, and the result is a little cracker.

The styling could be described as funky, kooky or just plain odd. It all sort of works, even if the triangles at the upper rear quarters resemble a famous Swiss chocolate bar. The wheels are pushed out about as far as they could be at each corner without approach and departure angles becoming obtuse. It takes some time to adjust to the Suzuki’s tiny dimensions. You think you’re about to reverse into a tractor when, in fact, there are yards to spare.

The inside is a real surprise. My 6ft 5in lad climbed in, grumbling, fully anticipating having to wedge his knees round his ears for the journey, but, instead, found he could unfold, butterfly-like, and still have headroom to spare after emerging from his virtual teenage cocoon. He tried his best to grasp the intricacies of the “infotainment” system but failed; it was nearly wrenched from the dashboard and thrown out of the window.

On the road, the little engine is a bit wheezy, running out of puff too soon, but it’s just about up to the job. As one expects from Suzuki, all the controls are light and easy, and I liked the basic dashboard.

Surprisingly spacious cabin.

Off-road is where the Ignis really shines. The unfashionably narrow tyres give astonishingly good grip and the “Allgrip” system works away efficiently and silently. Responsible off-roading while checking the sticky stubbles becomes a bit of a challenge. I’m not sure I convinced the ghosts of the farm that four-wheel drifts are a proper way to check soil moisture content. And when the Good Lord sends another heap of spring snow, the Ignis makes majestic progress through the slush and drifts. Meanwhile, all around, two-ton monstrosities with a billion horsepower and foot-wide tyres flap and flail, leaving you bursting with feelings of uncharitable smugness.

The first thing I did with my Panda 4×4 back in ’86 was lift out the rear seat, put an old carpet in the back and make it a farm run-around. Suzuki should do the same thing: lose the rear seats, blackout what’s left of the rear windows, give it a proper liner and transform it into a little 4×4 van. And then knock the VAT off the list price, of course. Never mind we Panda fans; I reckon one or two Defender nuts might be tempted, too.

Suzuki Ignis Allgrip

Engine: 1,242cc petrol
Power: 90PS
Max speed: 103mph
Performance, 0 to 62: 11.5 seconds
Combined fuel economy: 60.1mpg
Insurance group: 18E
Price: £15,499

The Field Gundog Awards 2018 was hotly contested, with entries from exemplary retrievers, family companions and wicked gundogs. The judges have tussled over the entries and the results are in

The Field Gundog Awards 2018, in association with Skinner’s Pet Foods, attracted a wide variety of entries from every type of gundog. Some were from old hands that executed particularly fine retrieves last season worthy of recognition. Others are part-time gundogs that spend the majority of their time as trusty, family companions. Some were new to the field, some were noble and some were just naughty (and well trained enough to know better…) But there was one, very clear uniting factor across the enormous variety of entries we were delighted to receive. Fielders love their gundogs.

This year’s Gundog Awards was hotly contested, but the judges have tussled over the entries and the results are in. We are very pleased to announce the winning and highly commended entries of The Field Gundog Awards 2018.

Thank you to all those that entered The Field Gundog Awards 2018. With the season about to start, keep alert for the very best gundogs in the field. We look forward to receiving your entries in 2019.

THE FIELD GUNDOG AWARDS 2018 WINNERS AND HIGHLY COMMENDED

CATEGORY 1: OUTSTANDING RETRIEVE BY ANY RETRIEVING BREED DURING THE 2017/18 SEASON

WINNER: Newt and Anthony Sheppard

Newt’s brave water retrieve impressed the judges.

Three-year-old flatcoat retriever Newt impressed the judges with this exceptionally brave retrieve. The entry was supported by a strong witness statement which claimed to have seen many of the owners flatcoats work, but never with the courage of the following instance:

“We were shooting at Wakefield Lodge in Northamptonshire on 27^th December. We had a very exciting drive with fast high birds falling in a flooded lake behind. Newt, loves water and after the drive was straight in to retrieve a cock pheasant. I walked out on the causeway, which is about 15 yards wide between the two lakes. Suddenly Newt disappeared under the water.

“There was then splashing from behind me on the other side of the causeway – to both my and Newt’s total amazement he bounced up to the surface like a cork out of a champagne bottle still with the cock pheasant firmly in his mouth but looking very bewildered.

“He had been sucked through an over full three foot pipe under the causeway to bob to the surface. I think he survived because he did not let go of the bird so did not swallow water. It was very lucky there was no obstacle to trap him during his 15-yard underwater retrieve!

“He is still as keen on water as ever and has been re-christened the ‘submarine’!”

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Poppy and Ben Redman

Poppy, the black labrador seen here on the far right.

Five-year-old labrador Poppy impressed with her experience and skill. Poppy has done over 200 days picking up now, and her owner claims she is the best of his six dogs by far and has always out worked the rest.

“We were stood high above the drive when I saw a cock bird hit and come down. It was obvious Poppy had seen it too and I saw it start to run so I sent her. The slope we were on was a 24% gradient so it was a fair drop down.

“She got to the fall of the bird then took his line. In the hedge line at the bottom of the field there was a 6ft wide ditch then stock fencing with 2 strands of barb. The bird went over the fence, followed a few seconds later by the dog. The birds ran up towards the wood then flew in. The dog jumped the stock fencing & barb into the wood and while she was out of sight, caught him. She jumped back out of the wood and starts to return to me. As she was jumping the second fence, the bird’s head caught on the barbed wire. I could see her pulling the bird free then jump the ditch and retrieve perfectly back to hand after climbing the hill. She covered over 700m up and down the banks plus jumping two fences & a ditch twice, all while the drive was still going on and never got distracted from the original retrieve.”

CATEGORY 2: OUTSTANDING WORK BY A SPANIEL (SPRINGER OR COCKER) DURING THE 2017/18 SEASON

WINNER: Dixie and Vanessa Tate

Dixie went blind overnight but remains an impressive, and inspiring, beating and picking up dog.

The judges were impressed by Dixie’s inspiring story.

“Dixie has picked up in our shoot for 4 years. In November 2016 she went blind overnight. We had been picking up on the Saturday and Monday she was blind. Diagnosed with acute Gluacoma. 2 weeks later she had both eyes removed and 1 week later she was back beating on our shoot. Last season she was beating and picking up. She retrieved 3 ducks of which 1 was a runner. She absolutely lives for the shooting season. She is amazing- never give up on your dog as they never give up on you.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Minstrel and Brian Seage

The judges were impressed by Minstrel’s determination in this impressive retrieve.

Minstrel’s super retrieve saw the judges award him Highly Commended in this strongly contested category.

“The cock pheasant was a good high bird but at an unexpected angle and, dead in the air, dropped into a muddy lane well behind the line.  Minstrel, a 5 year old, male, Cocker Spaniel, bred in the far West of Cornwall, negotiated a stock fence, jumped over the bank and hedge behind it and disappeared into the lane.  There appeared to be no way back, but after a few minutes he appeared at a gate in the stock fence about 60 yards from me, scrambled through it with his bird and delivered it to hand. He has amazing instinct and a massive determination to retrieve his bird.”

CATEGORY 3: OUTSTANDING WORK BY ANY POINTING BREED DURING THE 2017/18 SEASON

WINNER: Dora and Laura Wolfenden

Dora’s owner was advised by her grouse gamekeeper husband to get a retriever as her first gundog.

Dora’s owner was advised by her grouse gamekeeper husband to get a retriever as her first gundog – which she cheerfully ignored and instead decided upon Hungarian wirehaired vizsla Dora, “Dora the Moorland Explorer”, an incredibly special dog who impressed the judges with the following work.

“It was on a shoot day where I couldn’t take Dora as she was in season, but one of the guns shot a snipe and after a lot of dogs, including the picking up dogs had gone over the ground it was decided the snipe was not to be found. I hate for any bird to be shot not to be found so I took Dora back the next morning after a heavy downpour overnight. My husband said I was being ridiculous, but we went to the second to last butt, I sent her in the direction the gun vaguely said he thought it was and she found it straight away. My smile couldn’t have been bigger when I showed my doubting husband. I only wish she could have been there on the day to get some glory for her find, but that is typical of Dora, she just quietly goes about her business, no fuss, just doing her job.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Zulu and Terry Harris

Zulu impressed the judges with his vast experience.

Zulu is an impressive, old hand – and the judges were delighted to award him highly commended for his skill and experience.

“At 12 years of age Zulu won his 44^th field trial award, which included winning the April 2017 Southern, and Western Counties Field Trial Society’s Pointer and Setter Open Stake for the third time. In September 2017 he took on the role as “schoolmaster” to myself, a novice handler, and won a Certificate of Merit in the Pointer Club Breed Stake at Sandringham, Norfolk. This was our first field competition together and one I will never forget. His special qualities are an overwhelming desire to please, great bird sense, a fantastic nose and great determination to find game. Now turned 13 years of age, Zulu continues to be a valuable member of our shooting and grouse counting team.”

CATEGORY 4: OUTSTANDING WORK BY ANY RARE BREED DURING THE 2017/18 SEASON

WINNER: Laura and Larry Wilks

Laura is a Epagneul de Pont Audemer or ‘Ponto’ for short – an exceptionally rare breed.

Laura is a rare but impressive breed, and the judges were delighted to award her winner in this category.

“She is a Epagneul de Pont Audemer or ‘Ponto’ for short. There are only three in the UK but I am sure anyone that sees her work will be intrigued by her character and surprised by her ability. Her training went well and we decided to take her with us on a trip to Brittany, Chateau Val. Jocelyn had arranged two days shooting and our party of two guns joined with Claude the region Chef du Chasse and his friend Maurice along with their Brittany and Epagnuel Francaise. They did not know what breed Laura was and were very sceptical given her size whether or not she could cope with the Reeves pheasant. She had already completed two retrieves when at the end of a clearing all three dogs came on point, each backing the other, on command the Brittany and Francaise flushed a Reeves and it flew on over Claude’s head with both dogs in hot pursuit, but not Laura, she remained motionless, ‘en arret’ I called to Claude, ‘Non’, came the reply, Brenda sent Laura to flush and the hen Reeves flew from her hiding place just in time for Claude to reload and drop the bird, which Laura duly retrieved and returned to the bag before our two French runaways had re appeared. It was an amazing two days with 14 Reeves in the bag and an offer to purchase Laura from Claude who said she was exceptional. Praise indeed for a relatively unknown breed. Laura has continued to surprise us and is a constant on our shooting days at, Over Whitacre, Six Ashes and Honiley Estate. Her ability has endeared her to everyone and we hope to import another later this year.”

CATEGORY 5: THE BEST AMATEUR PICKER-UP

WINNER: Peter Smith

Peter Smith is an impressive and experienced picker-up, with glowing nominations for this category.

Peter Smith impressed the judges with his vast experience, love of the countryside and the glowing accounts from those that nominated him.

“Peter is a true countryman, a shooting man for over 60 years, with a great love of training and working Spaniels, mainly English Springer Spaniels, some of which he bred, plus a few Cockers. Peter has run three shoots, one for 36 years, another was in the Purdey Awards in 2002.

“Peter is exceptionally conscientious regarding the retrieval of missing, possibly injured birds. Nothing is too much trouble, no report of a missing bird left unchecked. Always late for elevenses and last to return at the end of the day, Peter and his dogs often successfully pick up those last, difficult to find, missing birds. Maybe it was coincidence but on Peter’s first picking-up day here the bag record was broken. We then had our best ever season. There was a feeling that fewer birds were being lost.

“But Peter is not just an exceptional picker-up.   He is more than ready to be involved in and contribute his knowledge to other areas of our shoot. He leads our annual farmland birds count for the GWCT, sharing his wealth of experience in bird identification and national surveys. For last season, he produced a wonderful 14 month shoot calendar, depicting just about everyone on the shoot, plus their dogs, raising over £600 for the GWCT in the process.

“Peter is a diligent and reliable picker-up, a brilliant trainer of his much-loved spaniels, a mentor for novices, a contributor of knowledge and time, an enthusiast of excellence in picking-up and, above all, he has respect for the welfare of quarry and of his dogs. We can’t imagine a better picker-up.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Jane Pighills

The judges were impressed by Jane Pighills and Candy’s first season picking up.

The judges were impressed with Jane Pihills and cocker Candy’s work in the field, especially considering that this season was their first outing.

“Candy is a two year old Black and Tan cocker spaniel. She was given to me as a present from my husband.

“I have always enjoyed shooting but never have much time as I am involved in our local Hunt – so miss out on Saturdays. However this year due to the extreme wet in our area hunting has been frequently cancelled so I thought I would see if I could take Candy out shooting. Having got permission from the Head keeper, I took my place well behind the professional pickers up and waited.

“The Drives came and went and Candy sat like a rock beside me not making a sound – just intently watching it all. The second day out we took up our place. Third Drive a partridge fell just behind us – the picker up in front of me turned and told me to let her off and see what happened. I did, waited nervously and suddenly over the hill Candy appeared proudly carrying the bird. She came right to me and dropped it. The thrill of that moment was tremendous – I was hooked and so was she. From then on we went out every day we could and she worked very hard.

“My commands are not always very clear or correct but she never lets me down and tries hard to interpret what I am asking her to do!”

CATEGORY 6: THE BEST FAMILY GUNDOG

WINNER: Remi and Laura Croft

The judges felt Remi was the exact definition of a family gundog.

Remi impressed the judges as the definition of a family gundog – she helped her owner in the face of a family breakdown, brought together a new family and is now a key part in bringing on the next generation of fieldsports lovers – her owner’s four-year-old daughter, Georgia. As well as all of this, Remi proved herself a superb picking-up dog during her first season.

“Remi belongs to my partner Laura Croft. She is Laura’s first ever Gundog and she was bought as a result of a family breakdown. It’s fair to say Remi is definitely a member of the family and she is everything to Laura. Being able to get out and train Remi during her puppy days definitely helped Laura find herself and eventually find me. I first met Laura and Remi at Thoresby Game Fair when Remi was only 6 months old. I was running an older dog and we hit it off from there, so I owe Remi a lot too. An all too frequent fixture on our family bed in the evening, there is nothing more Remi enjoys than a cuddle up on the sofa with Laura.

“Remi has also been instrumental in teaching Laura’s daughter Georgia about Gundogs, training and game shooting. Georgia is 4 and Remi is her best friend. Whether throwing a toy for her, or carrying dummies when training they are inseparable! So much so that Georgia has even run Remi in a scurry even beating her mums time!

“When the shooting season came around, I’m sure Laura was full of nerves when she was asked to pick up on a local syndicate shoot. Remi never let Laura down, whether it was early season ducks, October partridges or late season pheasants Remi picked them all with consummate alpomb, regularly finding lost birds in the deepest of cover. Laura and Remi have already been asked back for the following season and I’m certain they will be even better.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Aero and Andrew Frost

Aero introduced a family to shooting.

The judges were impressed by how Aero switches between the role of gundog and family dog, and the story of how the family started picking-up.

“We got Aero five years ago with the idea to him being just our families pet, but he has ended up being so much more. As a family we decided we wanted a dog, one small problem our eldest daughter Emilie (6) was scared of dogs. A chance meeting with Woodhaydown gun dogs at The Berkshire show started a program of coaching Emilie to overcome her fear. After five months Emilie was ready, and started visiting a litter of puppies at Woodhaydown gun dogs weekly to begin building a bond. The day arrived to choose one Emilie sat amongst the litter on an upturned bucket with puppies bouncing all over the place, one quietly climbed onto her lap and went to sleep , it was Aero. The bond was there.

“With three girls under five in the house to deal with Aero’s life was anything but quiet,he was dressed up as a baby ,pulled around in his bed like a car always part of the girls games he took it all in his stride never leaving the girls alone. He comforts them when they are upset, listens to all their problems and stories he was turning out to be the perfect family dog.

“During the shooting season Emilie started to venture out to understand what all the great training she was doing with Aero was to be used for. When Emilie was just nine years old Aero joined her picking up at Faccombe estate. Into their second season together Aero and Emilie were becoming an important part of the picking up team at Faccombe, and they have now completed their third season, never missing a Saturday from September to January.

“Aero has changed our families life so much,from just wanting a dog he has opened doors onto a world we knew nothing about. ”

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ralph and Heather Woodhead

Ralph impressed with the vital role he plays within his family.

Nominated by his ‘grandparents’, Ralph impressed with the enormous role he plays within the family.

“As grandparents as it were to Ralph, my husband and I nominate him for bringing sunshine into our lives, indeed to all our family members. My son Luke and my husband John enjoy shooting during the season with Ralph, I am sure they all get withdrawal symptoms when the shooting season ends. I too join them on occasions.

“Ralph is so intelligent, in fact we are waiting for the day he turns around and speaks, as that would not surprise us at all.. We are now all looking forward to a baby granddaughter due this year, Ralph too…. it will just make our whole family complete.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Butty and Anita Jarvis

Butty came an impressive second place in the BASC ‘Best Working Bitch’ category at Crufts.

Though entered into a different class, Butty impressed with her strong working instincts, despite being from show-stock, and how she has introduced her family to the world of shooting.

“Butty was brought home as a ‘normal’ pet Labrador of show-stock breeding. Early on we could see that Butty was different, very intelligent, clever, easy to train and a stand out from the rest. I decided to take her to Gundog Training classes and see what prevailed. As it happened she proved to be a natural and we really both enjoyed it. We went to join our local shoot picking up. What a joy this has been, great people, lovely social life and spending the day working as part of a team with your dog …there’s no better way to spend a winters day.

“We then started to compete in Working Tests during the spring and summer seasons. We won our first Certificate of Merit in April 2015, I felt like we had won the lottery. Our success continued in 2016 with getting placed in various Novice working tests throughout the UK. Then came the Labrador Retriever Club Centenary Show in June. We completed the team working tests and then we were in the show ring for the first time. I have no experience in showing, so I recruited my friend Philly to handle her, and they came a very respectable 4^th .

“The very same friend asked me last year if I was going to entre her in Crufts this year in the BASC “Best Working Bitch” category. Well why not? The judge pulled eight bitches of the 26 entries into the middle of the ring and we were in the final 8, that was enough for me. My little yellow show stock came 2^nd, at Crufts, that’s some going for any dog but to win an award in the gamekeepers ring is everything. I’m still on cloud 9 and feel 10ft tall.

“Butty has taught me so much on our journey together and she continues to do so, she has given me confidence that I never had before, I’ve even started creating my own range of feather brooches, mostly from pheasant from our shoot, and my life has never been the same since that little bundle of fluff arrived in July 2011.”

CATEGORY 7: THE NAUGHTIEST GUNDOG

WINNER: Trigger and Polly Mazzarella

Naughty gundog Trigger with Peter Rabbit.

The tale of Trigger and Peter Rabbit gave the judges a good chuckle and serves as a perfect reminder that there is no such thing as the perfectly behaved gundog.

“Roll back to 2017, he was a little over a year old. Basic training was becoming a breeze and we had become very cocky. However, a little humility was going so serve us both well.

“That morning we walked the dogs on the normal route. We noticed rabbits had been left from a lamping session over night. Trigger sniffed, but told to leave, perfect recall. Carry on our way – no problems.

“Walked the dogs again in the evening with my fiancé, Dan. Trigger noticed rabbits again. Trying to be cocky and seeing if he would fetch it, I used the “fetch it” command, dog picks up said rabbit, retrieves straight to hand – amazing feeling. I set up a seen retrieve with said rabbit. I send Trigger back for it. Absolutely perfect. Runs straight out to rabbit, holds well, and great delivery. We set up another seen retrieve. I send Trigger back for it, he runs straight out to it turns round, immediately goes into play bow position and starts mouthing poor Peter Rabbit. I try to recall but to no avail. Start walking towards Trigger calmly. Trigger now thought this would be a great game to play, runs around with rabbit, crunching and mouthing while sending me in circles trying to get hold of either him or the rabbit. Frustrated I storm off and Trigger, wondering where I am going off to in a hurry, follows suit, with rabbit and delivers to hand.

“I take Trigger away so that Dan can dispose of rabbit carcass. Thinking we are now free of danger being 100ft away I let Trigger off the lead. He thinks I have sent him for a memory retrieve and recall is pointless. The words “no” or “leave” are useless also. He goes straight to the site where the rabbit was dumped (which was thick with nettle at the time) emerges about 10 seconds later and retrieves it. Thankfully it was delivered straight to hand.

“Thinking I can do a better job of chucking the rabbit away, I walk 150ft across a field to a tree and place rabbit at the bottom of it. I walk back and we walk to another field on the other side of our usual walk. We go over a sty, across a path, through a gate (that I tried to teach Trigger the command “over” with to little success as he proceeded to go through the gap in the gate and get stuck) and into the field.

“Thinking that we are safe enough now surely, I let Trigger off the lead. Trigger orientates himself by sniffing, try to call him back so we can carry on but he takes one look at me and then bombs back in the direction that we came. My voice was hoarse from screaming the words “no”, “leave” and whistling as loud as I could however it was too late. You guessed it, he jumps the gate with the finesse of a gazelle goes under the sty and out into the field. I watch with utter disbelief and bet Dan that if he retrieves this that he will have to pour me a strong drink when I get home. Watching from 150ft away, he finds, the rabbit, which at this point is a very soggy mess and returns ever so triumphantly. He drops it at my feet, stares at it a second, looks at me and then carries on out in front as if nothing ever happened!”

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Chloe and Betty Featherstone

Chloe ‘sooo naughty’ Featherstone with “devil eyes and tongue poking out.”

The judges were amused by Chloe’s shooting day antics, which has seen her become very well known as a naughty gundog.

“As soon as Chloe’s name is mentioned ‘soooooo naughty’ usually follows.

“Despite Betty’s integral flagging position in the beating line, Chloe regularly abandons her post, usually making a beeline straight through the drive. Beating is somewhat beneath Chloe, who prefers to go and fraternise with the guns. Sometimes she half lends a hand with picking up duties, mainly with the objective of making things harder for the retrievers. She can just about being herself to pick up a dead bird, but only if she is then going to hide or bury the bird to give the labs a more challenging time. Despite her attendance with the guns during the drive , usually as the final horn sounds she disappears to find a vantage point and observe the picking up havoc that she has caused.

“Chloe is a very much loved pet . And a source of much affection and amusement on shoot days . But she really is ‘Chloe “soooooo naughty” Featherstone’.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Nelson and Philip Wolstenholme

Nelson’s offenses are both varied and unforgivable.

The amusing entry detailing Nelson’s offences amused the judges, and confirmed the accusation that ‘the defendant is not a hound of sound character’.

“The misdeeds of the accused are chronicled below:

1. He did willingly and with malice of forethought, knowingly pinch some cheese, taken without owner consent and is further charged of acting in a furtive and duplicitous manner so as to permanently deprive another of aforementioned dairy product.
2. Did defecate in a manner most horrible on an antique carpet thereby rendering it foul and unusable.
3. Slyly concealed himself in owner’s vehicle to avail himself of seat belt chewing opportunity and further did allow himself to be locked therein; thereby taunting aforementioned vehicle owner who was denied access or ability to admonish the accused or get him to stop.
4. To the pecuniary disadvantage of his owner, did knowingly dispose of Her Majesty’s currency to the tune of £200 by ingestion together with the purse in which said monies were held.
5. Against building Regulation 0E-D0G, did undermine the integrity of a building by gnawing at the superstructure thereof rendering it most perilous.
6. Is known to have produced great wobbliness in a kitchen chair by consuming 3 of its legs.
7. Did most egregiously and with much malevolence dismantle a television remote control and consume the batteries therein and is charged accordingly.
8. Does habitually produce poisonous gaseous omissions in enclosed environments in contravention of the 1925 Geneva Protocol on biological weaponry.
9. Did procure for his own advantage, the breasts of two partridges whilst concealing evidence in a cunning and deceitful manner.”

CATEGORY 8: THE BEST GUNDOG THAT DOES NOT BELONG TO A GUNDOG BREED

WINNER: Jools Bolton and Pepsi

Pepsi, despite being a cockapoo, has an impressive natural instinct to work.

Pepsi the cockapoo impressed the judges with her natural instinct to work, despite raised eyebrows when she joined the line.

“Pepsi, a cockapoo, is three years old and has learnt her trade from our old black lab without any training at all. Whilst Tolly, the black lab, has been trained, Pepsi has instinctively copied and learnt from the older,more experienced dog. She responds to the whistle – without any training.  She is a natural.

“When we first took Pepsi to Underley, there were inevitably lots of raised eyebrows and a few snide comments. By the end of that season, she had won the Award for the Best Retrieve of The Season.

“She is everyone’s favourite gun dog and is often called on to find the elusive “runner: at the end of a drive.  She usually comes up trumps!”

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ruby and Antonia Baillie

Ruby is considered an honorary spaniel on her shoot.

The judges were impressed by Ruby’s position as honourary spaniel on her shoot, despite being a terrier.

“This is our unusual peg dog, Ruby the patterdale terrier. The dog that enjoys going shooting as much as I do, she will sit stoically next to her owners peg every drive patiently waiting for the birds, her little face lights up and a front paw comes up every time a shot bird lands but she doesn’t move. A little too hard mouthed for picking up but she still likes to have a go when allowed. Her second favourite time of the day is elevensies when she does her best to look cute so the other guns give her bits of sausage and sandwiches.

“Equally keen at beating, this persistent patterdale quivers with excitement and has learnt from her big brother spaniel over the years. No cover is too thick when she smells out a pheasant, she’s a valued member of the beating team at our local farm shoot, an honourary spaniel!”

CATEGORY 9: GUNDOG PHOTOGRAPH OF THE YEAR

WINNER: Francesca Allen and Paddy

The judges were impressed by this beautifully taken action shot by Francesca Allen.

The judges loved this beautifully taken action shot of Paddy at work.

“Paddy was our first Springer and gundog, we have had him from 8 weeks, he has been a total natural and he is a cracking game keeping dog. He manages to switch between dogging in through the summer and picking up in the winter. In this particular photo he had a busy drive and picked many birds, delivering one by one like an unstoppable rebot. His nose is phenomenal and he is passing his genes onto many offspring. He’s a cuddly special boy and a total pleasure to own and train.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Maria Langham and Fergus

This dramatic, technical shot caught the judges’ eyes.

The judges were impressed by this dramatic, technical shot, which perfectly demonstrates the grit and determination of a gundog at work.

“We arranged an outdoor photography session of working dog Fergus to capture him in action, whilst also capturing his personality as a true working dog who is also a beloved best friend to his owner, and family.

“Fergus is the most beautiful working dog I’ve met who was so relaxed in front of the camera, and professional in his work. He also has a unique, beautiful personality which he displayed in front of the camera.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Georgina Preston and Hebe

The judges were impressed by this beautifully composed and observed photograph.

The judges loved this atmospheric image, praising the wonderful highlight in the eyes, water droplets on the fur and the vechile hinting to the action.

“This was Hebe’s first day out, on the Chargot Keeper’s Day”

For a smokey, sweet starter perfect for a barbecue party, try Philippa Davis' grilled aubergine, peach, whipped feta and mint pittas

For a smokey, sweet starter for your summer barbecue party, serve Philippa Davis’ grilled aubergine, peach, whipped feta and mint pittas. Simple to make on the barbecue, as the heatwave presses on this starter is perfect for an al fresco feast.

We are all itching for the season to start, but until then ensure you are still enjoying game for your summer suppers. For the best recipes for picnics, barbecues and al fresco feasting, read the top 7 best summer game recipes.

GRILLED AUBERGINE, PEACH, WHIPPED FETA AND MINT PITTAS

This makes a great starter or nibble for a barbecue party. The sweetness of the peach balances well with the smoky flavours produced from the grill and the fruit’s juiciness makes a lovely addition to the dressing.

The whipped feta adds a smooth creaminess to this dish but also works brilliantly on its own as a dip for crudités and bread.

Serves 4 as a starter

• 1 aubergine
• 1½ tsp fine sea salt
• ½ clove garlic, crushed
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 10 leaves mint, finely shredded
• ½ red chilli, finely sliced (keep some of the seeds in if you like spicier food)
• 2 peaches, sliced into quarters

Whipped feta

• 100g feta
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• 2 tsp sumac
• 1 dsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 small pitta breads

Using an electric whisk, mix together the feta, yogurt, 1 teaspoon of sumac and the olive oil, until well combined.

Stripe the aubergine’s skin with a peeler lengthways then cut into 1½cm-thick circles.

Toss with the fine sea salt and leave to drain in a colander for 10 minutes.

In a bowl, mix the crushed garlic with the lemon zest and juice, the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, half the mint and the chilli.

When your barbecue is hot, grill the sliced aubergine and peaches on all sides then toss in the chilli dressing.

Leave to marinate for at least 10 minutes.

To serve, lightly grill the pitta breads on both sides then smear with the whipped feta.

Pile the peaches and aubergines on top and drizzle over any juice, scatter on the remaining mint and sumac.

Our sinking fenlands spell disaster for both food production and wildlife. What can be done to halt this slide towards disaster, asks Tim Field

Major feats of engineering has allowed us to crop the fenlands, but now the bread basket of England needs protecting, says Tim Field. What is the solution for to the sinking fenlands?

For more on farming, learn about the history of agriculture during the Golden Era of fieldsports – read The Great Depression of British Agriculture: a history.

SINKING FENLANDS

Deep, rich, Bournville-coloured soils disappear into the far-reaching horizon, dissected by a network of ditches slicing neatly into the land’s surface. Narrow, arrow-straight roads perch on top. Grain silos tower in the landscape; irrigation rigs line up to create an artificial weather front; machinery loaded with horsepower tracks a metronomic rhythm back and forth across vast fields, many measuring a hundred acres or more. From potatoes to carrots, sugar beet and some of the highest yielding cereal crops in the nation, the Fenlands of East Anglia are at the heart of England’s bread basket.

The ability to crop this prime land has only been made possible through incredible feats of engineering dating back to the Romans. Since the 17th century, wind, coal, diesel and now electric pumps have succeeded in draining considerable areas of ancient peat fen for cultivation. However, we now need to start looking at another form of engineering if the harvests are to continue.

Since the major draining works began, the fenlands have fallen to such an extent that they reside substantially below sea level. With the lowering of the water table, the entire soil profile has shrunk like a dried-out sponge. In 1848, the concerning rate of shrinkage led to a long post being driven into the ground in Cambridgeshire (known as the Holme Post) to take accurate ground readings; it now measures approximately four metres below original ground level.

The loss of buoyancy and the cushioning effect of water in the peat caused a structural change, from that of a forgiving waterbed to something more akin to a plywood mattress. Much like the accumulation of powder-snow forming a glacier, the layers of peat have compressed under their own weight and that of heavy machinery. Another contributor to falling ground levels is wind erosion, where gales sweep up exposed, bare winter soils. It was particularly evident as “snirt” (or dirty snow) left behind after a visit from the Beast from the East last winter.

CHEMICAL CHANGE

A further underlying cause of falling ground levels is as a result of chemical rather than physical change. The peat soils’ superior condition is in no small part due to their high organic content, which is rich in carbon. The underlying peat has been without oxygen for thousands of years, locking tonnes of carbon in a stable state beneath our feet. This carbon becomes active when exposed to air, oxidising and releasing carbon dioxide, thus changing from a solid to gas. As well as lowering the level of finite peat, this has significant consequences for climate change.

We also know many of our farmland bird species are in decline and recently published “windscreen” research demonstrates a staggering absence of flying insects. These agriculture deserts should be buzzing with clouds of insects and vast packs of wading birds – oyster catchers, lapwing, golden plover – foraging the cropping lands and retreating to the wetlands for refuge, breeding or roosting.

So, what is the answer? During a recent visit to the Great Fen project I learnt of the ambitious undertaking to re-flood and protect about 3,700ha of the 24,000ha area of original fenland peat soils. The Great Fen conservation work will no doubt arrest the decline, add extraordinary ecological value and be a great deal more interesting than the current green desert monotony of arable and field vegetables. However, when pushed on a solution for the threatened acreage outside the project area, I was somewhat more disappointed by the response. In short, “flood the whole lot, create a market for sphagnum moss and see the wildlife flood back in”. Literally flood the bread-basket of England and allow European bison to roam saturated soils.

Meanwhile, in the UK’s uplands, George Monbiot and co demand we relinquish land management duties to reintroduced wolves and lynx. I do not doubt their good intentions but it shows naivety around the bigger picture of food security. If the UK doesn’t become more self-sufficient in agriculture we will end up exporting our environmental problems. At risk of losing both the agricultural and ecological value of the fens, the farming system would be better to focus on building soil carbon – using cover crops, trees, regenerative leys with grazing livestock and more diverse crop rotation – to help arrest the peat wastage, whilst benefiting wildlife in the process. Agro-ecological engineering is the perfect complement to past industrial successes.

Follow Tim and Agricology @agricology