Published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd The Field is a monthly glossy magazine dedicated to those brave souls who shoot, fish and hunt way beyond the call of duty. Since 1853, its staff has selflessly brought its readers the cream of rural life, be it pheasant shooting, dry-fly fishing or the distinct merits of Cheval Blanc. If you love field sports, errant terriers and very foxy friends at hunt balls, The Field is for you.

The Field • ESTABLISHED 1853 VOL 366 NO 7396

Defending a festive tradition • Hounds may be barred from the town square or marketplace on Boxing Day but the sound of their music must still be heard, says Matthew Paul

BRIEFING

Sustainability principles published

Inverawe adds game to its offer

One good deed…

FIELD CHAMPIONS

Social spotlight

To do this month

Saddlery training centre for Walsall

Grey partridge success rewarded in Lechlade

Kit to covert • Our monthly guide to everything notable in the field for sporting enthusiasts and those keen on country life

Letters • Write to: The Editor, The Field, Pinehurst II, Pinehurst Road, Farnborough Business Park, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 7BF. Email: field.secretary@futurenet.com

THE FIELD delivered to their door for just £17.49*

Investment immunity • A Knight Frank report shows that while people may be fleeing London, investors are staying put. So, who’s remaining committed to the capital despite coronavirus, wonders Rupert Bates

Country estate of the month • LITTLE HAUGH HALL, NORTON, SUFFOLK

Six of the best: Wiltshire, Gloucestershire & Somerset

A jolly sporting pair • Neil and Serena Cross, our new columnist couple, may not be spending Christmas on the same continent but they will still be enjoying their festivities in the field

Reasons to be cheerful • Granted, Christmas is going to look a little different this year – and Eve Jones is worried that the rule of six could leave her out in the cold

Snow wonder • No sportsman wishes for too stifling a shroud of inclement weather but when the snow does fall deep and crisp and even, sporting landscapes take on a stark loveliness

Holkham, Norfolk • With an invitation from the Hon Rupert Coke and an experienced muzzleloader standing by, nine guns experienced the thrill of a black-powder day

Game register of a gamekeeper, 1937-71 • Chris Oliver was a gamekeeper on Lilburn Estate in Northumberland for 34 years. His gamebook is an intriguing record of a sporting life

The proper balance of a sporting gun • An unusual item discovered in the Long Room at James Purdey & Sons demonstrates not only gun balance but the firm’s professionalism

The Percy: hunting as it should be • As Old English hounds cross this stunning country, community is as much a part of a day in Northumberland as the unceasing sport

Fly-f ishing adventures in Chilean Patagonia • Wild places, pristine waters and plentiful trout are the hallmarks of a trip to this South American rainforest – with a touch of luxury to bookend the day

Geese at first light or on a moon-flight • Morning flight is the surest source of spectacle for a wildfowler but a moonlit night can offer a touch of magic

Air rifles primed to keep pests at bay • Airguns and air rifles are ideal for ‘garden work’ and as a first weapon for young guns. What should you look for?

WRITER’S PICK

Christmas un-hampered • The Field picks the best hampers to send to family, friends or simply oneself – and treats to take, too, if visiting

Christmas cards that give and greet

Calligraphy: pictures in words • The good news is neat handwriting isn’t a prerequisite of success with a calligraphy pen, as several leading artists...