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Voice of the countryside

Campaign for Hunting

The Campaign for Hunting supports all forms of legal hunting with hounds, promoting and protecting it for future generations. Find out more about the Campaign for Hunting by signing up for our newsletter.

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What do we do?

The work of the Countryside Alliance is underpinned by our four key pillars; all of which exemplify the main reasons why we campaign for rural communities.

Sustainable rural community
Environmental stewardship
Challenge misinformation and bias
Public benefit
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Sustainable rural community

Hunting is often described as the social glue that keeps rural communities together. People from all walks of life and across multiple generations are brought together through their shared passion for their packs of hounds. The livelihoods created, the social cohesion, the opportunity for all to enjoy the countryside - this is why we stand up for trail hunting and other lawful hunting activities.

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Environmental stewardship

Hunting has always played an important part in shaping the countryside, not only to retain access to land but to support the farmers and landowners without whom there would be no hunting. By conserving and managing woodland and hedgerows that have been planted, hunts help to maintain a rich haven for flora and fauna, championing a biodiverse environment.

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Challenge misinformation and bias

The Alliance has a proven record of acting quickly to call out and correct unbalanced or unevidenced articles in the media, while exposing those who make spurious allegations about hunts, their activities, and their supporters. We ensure that hunting is represented truthfully to the public and that the voice of our supporters is heard where it matters.

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Public benefit

Hunting plays an important role in our rural economy, providing direct employment and supporting many other associated businesses which benefit those beyond the hunting community. The money that is spent both by hunts and those that go hunting – either mounted or on foot - is of considerable importance, creating economic activity, including employment, which helps underpin the social fabric of the countryside. It is the social aspects of hunting that provide a much-needed focus in remote communities where the opportunity for social interaction can be limited.

What do we do?

The work of the Countryside Alliance is underpinned by our four key pillars; all of which exemplify the main reasons why we campaign for rural communities.

Sustainable rural community

star

Sustainable rural community

Hunting is often described as the social glue that keeps rural communities together. People from all walks of life and across multiple generations are brought together through their shared passion for their packs of hounds. The livelihoods created, the social cohesion, the opportunity for all to enjoy the countryside - this is why we stand up for trail hunting and other lawful hunting activities.

Environmental stewardship

star

Environmental stewardship

Hunting has always played an important part in shaping the countryside, not only to retain access to land but to support the farmers and landowners without whom there would be no hunting. By conserving and managing woodland and hedgerows that have been planted, hunts help to maintain a rich haven for flora and fauna, championing a biodiverse environment.

Challenge misinformation and bias

star

Challenge misinformation and bias

The Alliance has a proven record of acting quickly to call out and correct unbalanced or unevidenced articles in the media, while exposing those who make spurious allegations about hunts, their activities, and their supporters. We ensure that hunting is represented truthfully to the public and that the voice of our supporters is heard where it matters.

Public benefit

star

Public benefit

Hunting plays an important role in our rural economy, providing direct employment and supporting many other associated businesses which benefit those beyond the hunting community. The money that is spent both by hunts and those that go hunting – either mounted or on foot - is of considerable importance, creating economic activity, including employment, which helps underpin the social fabric of the countryside. It is the social aspects of hunting that provide a much-needed focus in remote communities where the opportunity for social interaction can be limited.

Campaign for Hunting

Learn more about the Campaign for Hunting

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Campaign for Hunting do?

Supports hunts while promoting and protecting all forms of legal hunting activities, including trail hunting, with foxhounds, beagles, harriers, basset hounds, stag hounds and other scent hounds. We represent the views of our members and are frequently the first to be contacted by the media when input relating to hunting is required, with extensive coverage in the national and regional media.

What is the Action for Hunting initiative and how do I get involved?

Our Action for Hunting initiative recognises the threats facing hunting and highlights how hunts and hunt supporters can take action to help secure hunting with hounds for generations to come. We encourage those who want to protect the future of hunting to sign up to take action for hunting here.

How can I support the Campaign for Hunting?

Be a fully signed-up member of the Countryside Alliance and engage with initiatives which aim to protect hunting with hounds for future generations.

How can I keep up to date with issues relating to hunting with hounds?

Keeping up to date with the latest news from the Campaign for Hunting couldn't be easier. Simply subscribe to the Campaign for Hunting’s free monthly newsletter.

What is trail hunting?

Trail-hunting involves laying of a scent across the countryside which a pack of hounds then searches for and follows using their noses. Trail hunting replicates traditional foxhunting and other forms or quarry hunting, however, instead of following live quarry, the hounds follow the artificial scent which has been laid for them.

Why would hunting members continue to be a member of the Countryside Alliance – why not just be a member of British Hound Sports Association?

Hunting members might choose to continue their membership with the Countryside Alliance (CA) instead of or in addition to joining the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) for several reasons:

  1. Broad Advocacy and Support: The Countryside Alliance advocates for a wide range of rural issues beyond hunting, including farming, shooting, and rural communities. Members who are interested in these broader issues might prefer CA for its comprehensive advocacy efforts.

  2. Political Influence: The CA has a strong political lobbying presence, working to influence legislation and policy that impacts rural life. Members might value this influence, which extends beyond the specific interests of hunting.

  3. Community and Networking: The CA offers a larger network and community of rural and countryside enthusiasts. This broader base can provide more opportunities for social connections, events, and networking within the rural community.

  4. Public Relations and Education: The CA is involved in public relations efforts to improve the perception of countryside activities, including hunting. Members might appreciate these efforts to educate the public and counteract negative stereotypes about rural pursuits.

  5. Legal and Practical Support: The CA provides legal advice and practical support on a range of countryside issues, which can be beneficial for members facing challenges related to land use, animal welfare regulations, and more.

  6. Comprehensive Benefits: Membership in the CA might come with a range of benefits, including insurance, discounts, and access to events, which could be appealing to members who participate in various rural activities.

  7. Tradition and Loyalty: Long-standing members might have a sense of loyalty and tradition associated with the CA, making them more inclined to maintain their membership out of respect for the organization's history and contributions to rural life.

While the BHSA focuses specifically on the interests of hunting and hound sports, the CA’s broader scope and additional benefits might make it a more attractive option for individuals who are engaged in a variety of countryside activities or who value the CA’s extensive advocacy and support network.

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