Shoot Profile: Noble Field Sports

Noble Field Sports came to be founded in 2010/2011, when Robert, who had been co-owner of Crew Clothing company, wanted to try his hand at something completely different. “I always was a countryside person, and I have a passion for shooting. 

The location, on the 3,000-acre Sqerryes estate, in Kent, is perfect, says Robert: “It was being used for grazing but had been part of the game shoot, so the landscape was ideal for simulated shooting.” Robert knew a simulated shoot, aimed at corporate clients would be well-suited to the place, as “We’re only 20 miles from Mayfair. I built a luxury shoot lodge and we opened in 2012.” Since then, it has now become one of the finest venues for simulated game shooting in the UK.   

Tailoring the shooting

With seven drives to pick from, Robert says he can provide a fantastic day of simulated shooting for both experienced and novice shooters alike. For those who haven’t done much, he provides instructors to ensure safety and a bit of success: “It’s important not to overface newcomers to shooting with the hardest, highest clays, as there’s no fun in that for them. It’s essential that new Shots are hitting the targets – that’s how they get the shooting bug, not by missing all day and getting frustrated. I can tailor each day to suit the abilities and needs of the Guns.” Apart from corporate days, Robert has set aside one Saturday per month for individuals to come along and enjoy the simulated shoot, which he says, “Has become like a private and exclusive club, and increasingly popular. These days are always sold out and booking needs to be done in advance.” 

Stretching from the North Downs to the Kentish Hills, the estate itself has some fantastic topography, and while it’s close enough to the city to ensure it’s easy to get to, it does feel, says Robert, “Like you have the whole estate to yourself for the day.” His signature drive, Fortress, is set below an iron age fortress, with the clays being thrown from the ramparts. “The Guns love this drive – it’s a wooded valley below, so there can be snap shots from behind trees or a clearer patch where you see the birds coming from further away. It’s a very special drive and never disappoints.” 

A day at Noble Field Sports will usually involve between 5,000 and 7,000 clays, “Depending on the ability of the Guns,” Robert explains. “The aim is to make sure everyone feels they have had plenty of shooting but aren’t totally shot out.” Incidentally, Robert recommends 21g of No7.5 for a simulated day, “Or 24g at a push, but there’s really no need to go heavier. That’ll easily smash a clay at 50 to 60 yards.” 

A sparkling day

The trappings of a shoot day are always important, and clearly Robert likes to do them properly: “We can tailor days for clients, so we can add on a wine or whisky tasting at the end of a shoot, for example. Our elevenses are famous and weather permitting we have them in the field, with home-made beef consommé and home-made venison sausages in colder weather and lighter food in the summer. Lunch is always four courses, with excellent wine. And how many shoots can serve award-winning sparkling wine from the estate?” 

For individuals to join the Saturday shoot once a month costs £300, while group bookings start at £5,000. For more informationon on Noble Field Sports.