May 2025 - Jul 9, 2025

May

Beginning and ending with events joining in Clay Pigeon Shoots from the North of England to the North of Scotland, East Anglia and the Shooting Show in between. Now known as the National rather than Northern – there seems to be a flurry of events in the South early in the season. Perhaps before harvest for many rural areas or when poults arrive and it is more difficult to escape for a few hours.

For Northern areas there is a tendency for later months maybe the weather is likely to be more favourable or before the grouse season and after silage. It is always difficult to squeeze in those calendar dates which are not to be missed if at all possible. The weather has been generally favourable for ground nesting birds and game birds alike so provided there is sufficient water and insect life.

Moorland groups are gearing up for their Educational days, Curlew and Wildlife safaris whilst others are taking brief respite before e work begins in earnest. It is worrying that there are some late redundancies this year; perhaps for genuine reasons but it should be recognised that for gamekeepers’ having the ability to seek another position within the window of opportunity is critical. It is always difficult for families especially where there are children who straddle Primary and Secondary schools and rigid timetables. When there are special needs or support in place this becomes even more challenging.