Guns line a track that winds through a steep valley and birds zip over the contours presenting spectacular driven and crossing shots Bereleigh Estate East Hampshire

A passion for fieldsports has inspired the Tyrwhitt-Drakes to create a top-quality shoot at their home near Petersfield, with conservation and bonhomie very much to the fore

- JOE DIMBLE

Bill Tyrwhitt-Drake has made an extraordinary contribution to shooting, both on and off the field, not least as chair of the committee that oversees the Code of Good Shooting Practice and in the management of his glorious home shoot, Bereleigh. This Hampshire estate exemplifies the finest traditions of driven shooting in England, showing the bestquality birds while maintaining the relaxed atmosphere of a family shoot.

Teams lucky enough to take a day may stay in the Georgian elegance of Bereleigh House, hosted by Bill and his wife, Philippa, also a keen shot. We joined them for one of two late-October partridge shoots held each year for family and friends. Guns assembled in front of a crackling fire in the cosy entrance hall and after a cup of coffee and a chance to catch up with old friends, Bill Tyrwhitt-Drake announced the off.

The briefing was clear: “Gentlemen, we will start slowly because they are doing a bit of blanking in. We’re numbering eight and moving up two from the right, all of you know the form; at the end of the drive there is a horn, which I find I hear awfully well. And we are shooting partridges only today, please.” And we set off to the first drive through the beautiful park and rolling Hampshire countryside.

“I love partridge shooting at this time of year, the autumn colours are stunning,” Tyrwhitt-Drake told me on the way. He is a passionate supporter of all fieldsports, delighting in their history, culture and community. “We’ve got the Hursley Hambledon Opening Meet at home next week and the sight of horses and hounds with the backdrop of the woods on the other side of the valley makes a wonderful picture.”