Countryside Alliance announces dates for Newcomers' Week 2024

The Countryside Alliance’s annual Hunting Newcomers’ Week, supported by the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA), will take place this year between Saturday 19 October and Saturday 26 October 2024.

During this week, hunts are encouraged to host a dedicated meet or event for newcomers, aimed at promoting trail hunting to a broader audience and inviting those interested in following hounds, whether on horseback or on foot.

Last year, several packs hosted specific events for newcomers for the first time and some even opened their kennels for tours to show how the hounds are cared for. With newcomers’ week coinciding with the school half-term in many regions again this year, we expect that some hunts may merge their newcomers’ meet with a children’s priority meet. This is all aimed at welcoming those interested in following hounds for the first time or those returning to hunting after a break.

Polly Portwin, the Countryside Alliance’s Director for Hunting commented:

"Newcomers' meets are organised primarily to give those new to hunting the chance to experience watching and following hounds across the countryside while learning how hunts carry out their lawful trail hunting or exempt hunting practices.

"Hunts are always delighted to welcome many new participants during this designated week and, as well as mounted packs, we expect that foot packs - including beagles and basset hounds – will also be among the various hunts welcoming newcomers as they explore the joy of following hounds for the first time."

Oliver Hughes, Managing Director of the BHSA said:

"Newcomers' Week offers anyone interested in horses, hounds, or the countryside a chance to learn more about trail hunting, how it operates, and the inclusive community that supports it. Following on from the BHSA’s inaugural National Trail Hunting Day on 14 September, we hope that hunts will utilise this initiative to encourage as many people as possible to experience trail hunting for themselves. If you need help finding your local hunt, please reach out to the BHSA or the Countryside Alliance."

For those wishing to learn more about following hounds, the Countryside Alliance’s “A Newcomer’s Guide to Hunting” leaflet is available in PDF format online here.