Get to know James Aris, our Campaign for Shooting Manager

In our new 'Get to know...' feature in My Countryside magazine, we put our Campaign for Shooting Manager, James Aris, in the hot seat.

When did you join the Alliance and what is your role?

I joined the Alliance at the start of December last year, having worked in politics for some time. My role is Shooting Campaign Manager, covering all matters projectile! I work closely with all the other departments at the Alliance to ensure our great sport is well represented, promoted and protected in parliament, the media and on the ground.

What are your sporting interests?

One of the main drivers for my joining the Alliance was to enable me to become more of an all-round sportsman. Working in parliament, and therefore living in central London, meant I didn't have the chance to venture out as much as I would like – but now that I live in rural Hampshire, that has changed. I mainly enjoy rough game shooting, out with my two Labradors in the wonderful rolling hills and countryside – but you can also find me on lowland driven shoots, fishing on the Test and, more recently, on horseback.

Have you always been a country sports enthusiast?

Yes and no. I grew up both in the UK and Malaysia; therefore, when in the UK I would relish the opportunity to fish, shoot and ride – however when in Malaysia, I could be found at sea, sailing.

How did your previous roles prepare you for working at the Alliance?

What surprised me initially is the amount of work the Alliance does, how much goes on behind the scenes, and the impact of that. Having run several local and general election campaigns in the most tumultuous period in living political history, I was looking forward to a steadier workstream – how wrong I was! The nature of the beast dictates that the shooting sector is under constant attack – whether it be from ill-informed television presenters, or online extremists, the barrage is constant, so having dealt with the bedlam in politics since 2015 I feel right at home. We are also very fortunate to have the most marvellous supporters amongst our members, without which the Campaign for Shooting could not be as effective as it is.

FUN FACTS

At 13 years old I sailed the South China Sea from Kuching in Sarawak to Penang in Malaysia on a vintage James Wharram Catamaran, held together by rather precarious ropes and shackles!

Image credit: Andrew Cavanagh