The Field

Published by TI Media Limited The Field is a monthly glossy magazine dedicated to those brave souls who shoot, fish and hunt way beyond the call of duty. Since 1853, its staff has selflessly brought its readers the cream of rural life, be it pheasant shooting, dry-fly fishing or the distinct merits of Cheval Blanc. If you love field sports, errant terriers and very foxy friends at hunt balls, The Field is for you.

Introducing...

Eat, drink and be merry • Not unlike the traditional Christmas feast, a good shoot lunch is a joyful celebration of the season and the cherished friendships it fosters, says Editor Alexandra Henton

FIELD IN FOCUS

Kit to covert • Our monthly guide to everything notable in the field for sporting enthusiasts and those keen on country life Email charlotte.mackaness@futurenet.com

Gyles Brandreth • The much-loved writer, broadcaster, podcaster and raconteur talks to Louise Flind about Christmas rituals, his favourite party games and the enduring magic of pantomime

Letters to the Editor • Write to: The Editor, The Field, Future Publishing PLC, 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London W2 6JR. Email: field.secretary@futurenet.com Letters may be edited for clarity or space

Country estate of the month

A Teme effort • Morgan Aps, co-founder of the eponymous sales and lettings agency, explains why families are increasingly looking to the Midlands to put down roots.

Dressed for the occasion • Formal dress codes may now be absent from many Christmas party invitations but for Neil and Serena Cross there is something reassuring about knowing what to wear

'Tis the season for success • Achieved in the face of technical issues, tricky conditions and uncooperative quarry, a quartet of Macnabs in the space of three days is a Christmas miracle for Mungo Ingleby

Captain Frederick Selous • Known for his extraordinary bravery in the African bush and on the battlefield, Selous contributed greatly to our understanding of the natural world, says Sir Johnny Scott

A proper shoot day • Testing birds, good food and a suitably wintry setting await a party of family and friends at Wydale in North Yorkshire

These wild fen pheasants stand on their tails and go straight up before exiting the drive

The rules for sharing a peg

Border force

'The kind of horse you'd ride into battle' • Courageous, intelligent, patient and adaptable, hunt horses are paragons of the equine world. It's time to give these dedicated servants the recognition they deserve, says Octavia Pollock

Chasing pike in the polders • The Netherlands’ vast network of canals and ditches provides anglers with countless opportunities to cast a fly for the ferocious ‘freshwater shark’

Pheasants of the world • Many of the 52 species of this striking gamebird are under threat of extinction but the concerted efforts to save them are being spearheaded here in the UK

Timeless heritage, modern elegance • London’s Beretta Gallery is a showcase of Italian gunmaking and essential sporting style

Snow dogs • Breeds that once earned their keep in the mountains have adapted their skills to the modern world while staying faithful to their centuries-old tradition of helping humans

Christmas cheers • The drinks trolley and long-forgotten bottles come into their own when crafting a cocktail fit for the festive season, says Rosie Macdonald

United in song

It’s a blue Christmas • The much-loved Stilton is king of the festive cheeseboard but it is far from being Britain’s only blue cheese of note, insists Gabriel Stone

Christmas camels • Whether carrying Three Kings or Christmas presents, camels play a starring role in festivities both at home and overseas, says Aeneas Dennison

'We...