Forward thinking decision taken to protect future of trail-hunting in Derbyshire and Staffs welcomed

In a move that has been described as "forward-thinking" by the Countryside Alliance, the hunt country of the Meynell and South Staffordshire Hunt (MSSH) will be shared between neighbouring packs with effect from the 2023/24 season.

As a result of increasing urbanisation and development across the countryside in Derbyshire and Staffordshire, many areas of the hunt's country have become unsuitable for taking out a pack of hounds to follow a trail. Those areas which remain viable to hunt will be shared between the North Staffordshire, South Notts and Moorlands Hunts. This will ensure that the hunt's supporters can continue to follow hounds across the two counties. The MSSH's hounds are in the process of being rehomed to these packs and to the kennels of other registered packs.

Although the MSSH will no longer employ members of hunt staff and there are plans to develop their hunt kennels near Sudbury in Derbyshire, it is anticipated that the hunt name will continue in the form of a hunt club. This will hopefully enable members and supporters of the hunt to continue to follow the MSSH's hounds with those other hunts whilst also enjoying the many benefits of being part of the hunting community, which includes raising funds for charity and taking part in other social events.

A statement to farmers, subscribers and supporters of the hunt, said: "The reorganisation will ensure the future of trail hunting across Derbyshire and Staffordshire and ensure that people will be able to continue to follow hounds across the two counties."

Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance, Polly Portwin, said: "With our ever-changing landscape, this forward-thinking strategy is both logical and sensible as costs rise and available land disappears. Hunting has always adapted to change, whether that is as a result of changes in the law, farming practices or other factors out of hunts' control, but mergers and country-sharing remain fundamental to the future of hunting and there will no doubt be other packs that plan ahead and make similar positive changes in forthcoming seasons."

The hunt staff will remain in employment until the end of the 2022/23 season but they have sought alternative employment with effect from the 1st May 2023 (which is when the start of the 2023/24 season officially begins).

The hunt's full statement can be read here:

"As a result of increasing urbanisation and development across the countryside, from the 2023/24 season, the Meynell and South Staffordshire Hunt will be country sharing with the North Staffordshire, South Notts and Moorlands Hunts, which will be continuing to operate in the remaining huntable areas. The Meynell and South Staffordshire hounds have been rehomed to these and kennels of other registered packs of hounds. The reorganisation will ensure the future of trail hunting across Derbyshire and Staffordshire and that people will continue to be able to follow hounds across the two counties."