Londoners of all ages showed their support last Friday, as hounds and hunt staff arrived in the capital.

The hounds were a huge hit with people, many of whom voiced opposition to the government's proposals and signed up to Future for Hunting, the joint campaign between the Countryside Alliance and the British Hound Sports Association.

Photo credit: Lou Siggers Photography

The Labour government's proposed ban on trail hunting has come under yet more fire, this time from voices within their own party.

Labour peers Baroness Hunter of Auchenreoch and Baroness Mallalieu both questioned the move, urging the government to not be "distracted from their priorities" or "insensitive to countryside interests".

With the game season having drawn to a close on 31 January and the wildfowling season closing on Friday 20 February, the curtain falls on another successful shooting season. Now that beaters’ flags have been furled and plus fours mothballed, it is meet to reflect upon the season past, and look to what is approaching during the close season.

There are many reasons that February tops the polls as Britain’s least favourite month: the miserable weather comes first, but litter is also high on the list. With roadside vegetation at peak dieback, the full awfulness of Britain’s litter habit is laid bare, and every road and lane shows up as an artery of discarded fast-food wrappers, cans and other assorted detritus. 

This year, four amazing runners will take on the TCS London Marathon for the Countryside Alliance, helping to raise vital funds for our work protecting the countryside and the communities that depend on it.

A gift in your will helps protect the countryside and support the Countryside Alliance’s long-term work defending rural communities and the way of life we stand for.