A day of R&R hits the mark

Over the past 24 months, I have been trying to introduce youngsters to the countryside I know, a working countryside that both feeds us and is home to game and wildlife. While these young folk have discovered new skills and a love of wild sport and nature, I too have learned lessons.

Thinking back to when I was a 12-year-old in the early 1980s, I cannot recall my diary being so grossly stuffed with appointments as the one my son has today. The sheer weight of rugby camps, cricket practice, drama workshops, homework and school-related clubs and societies he enjoys, or endures, leaves him with all-too-little time for the important things in life, namely shooting and fishing.

Due to his weighty workload,