Shoot review: Iford Downs - The host with the most

There’s an ongoing debate here at GunsOnPegs Towers about what makes a great shoot and the relative importance of each element of the day. We talk about shoots and shooting - all day, every day - so it’s a well refined but ever-evolving debate. Every so often, one of the team will stride into the office of a morning and declare “the host is everything, get that wrong and the shoot goes wrong.” They seldom get much argument.

 

We regularly ask guns the question, “what is most important to you on a shoot day?” The answer is always the same: "having fun with friends". However, to have a great time with mates, one aspect is pretty important - a host who creates an atmosphere conducive to good craic. Don’t get me wrong, the quality of shooting and setup of the shoot has to be good to but, these are inextricably linked. I’ve never seen an awful shoot with a fantastic host, nor a great shoot with a dreadful host.

 

Step forward one of my contenders for the title of 'Best Host'  in The Shoot Awards 2020 that open in January - Jamie Horner of Iford Downs Shoot. Jamie has a Masters in Environmental Science, something that he brings thought into his passion for conservation in shooting. He's got ‘wizard wevel’  bird identification skills, and his passion for nature and conservation runs through the shoot like a golden thread. Couple this with a dose of  Yorkshire humour from a guy who spends his season keepering on the South Coast and it makes for an interesting day.

 

Iford Downs is a partridge shoot not far from the coast, south of Lewes in East Sussex. On a cold day with a southerly wind, it can be bitterly cold. It’s for this reason that their last days of the season in November. Upon arriving at the shoot, the long, straight track up to the lodge fills you with excitement for what’s ahead, as you look at all the drives atop the Downs above you. When you reach the lodge there are spectacular views back towards Lewes and the north.

 

 

Iford’s signature drive is Frogshole Bank and it’s beautiful. It sits in the most tremendous bowl up on the top of the downs with the beaters starting way out to the left and right producing some amazing partridges over the guns.

You’ll see plenty of great birds at Iford; the topography lends itself to shooting. But like most partridge shoots some favourable conditions are always welcome. A sunny and still day makes for great photos but the high pressure will push the partridges down.

 

 

Should a drive not quite go to plan, Jamie won’t be phased. He’ll get a laugh with his self-deprecating humour, making himself the butt of his own jokes. Rest assured, he will have planned in a contingency drive. It’s this chilled nature that makes the day what it is - and its the meticulous planning that allows him to be relaxed on the day.

 

The day these photos were taken was a wonderful day all-round. The shooting, the host, the hospitality, the scenery, it’s got it all. If the idea of a relaxed day with a great host resonates with you - and why wouldn't it? - Iford is well worth a visit.

 

Given the shoot’s location,  you’ll be pleased to hear that about 25 minutes away is the most wonderful pub, complete with a ‘Highly Recommended’ sticker from our Good Shoot Hotel Awards on the front door. It should have been a winner. The Griffin Inn at Fletching is a typical good ol' country pub with low beams and a welcoming bar. The food is also excellent. It’s an easy journey to the shoot in the morning and for those getting a train, it was a short journey from the station in a cab. This pub started the trip in the most perfect way and Iford rounded it off brilliantly.