Willey Park Estate

Shoot · Shropshire · 376 followers

Pheasant
Partridge
Duck

Belonging to the Forester family since 1740, Willey Park is located in the heart of rural Shropshire, close to the small market town of Much Wenlock, and boasts the longest running continuous game book in the country dating back to 1820.

The Willey Estate came into the Forester family via the marriage of Elizabeth Weld to Brook Forester in the mid 1700's. John Weld, who was Lord of the Manor from 1618, used the heavy clay soil at Willey to his advantage and created fish ponds which were managed for trout fishing when he enclosed the park in 1625. Today these now ornamental lakes provide exciting sport with call duck put down to draw the wild mallard and teal.

Not far from Coalbrookdale (one of the birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution) on the edge of the East Shropshire Coal field, both ironstone and coal were mined on the estate and the names of drives such as The Furnace and The Pump hark back to that long gone industrial era.

Willey Park is surrounded by 2000 acres of lush parkland with many well placed woods providing sensational birds in awe inspiring surroundings. We pride ourselves here on producing quality pheasants, duck and partridge.

We provide days for teams and individual guns of between 200 and 250 birds and try to meet any particular requirements clients may have.

At Willey Park, shooting enthusiasts are treated to an unparalleled experience with 17 distinct drives thoughtfully curated by Lord Forester. Each drive offers unique challenges and picturesque views, allowing for an adaptable experience tailored to the skill level of the participants and whether they are first-time guests or returning clients. This diversity ensures that every visit to Willey Park is not only engaging but also fresh and memorable.

Whether it’s the thrill of a steep bank drive or a more open approach for those newer to the sport, each day at Willey Park delivers excitement and adventure. The balance between familiarity for seasoned guests and new challenges keeps the shooting season dynamic and rewarding.

The Field, February 2017. "Unless you are shooting or hunting you would never see an estate like this."

The Field, February 2017. Rory Knight Bruce writes "The Foresters run the Willey Park Shoot with great pride in glorious surroundings. It is not just the setting and good birds, however, but an infusion of formality combined with a warmth of personality and welcome that keeps the guns coming back."

The Shooting Times, January 2010. Shoot report: Willey Park shoot. "Joe Dimbleby returns to one of England’s oldest shoots to discover how its owner has succeeded in reviving his family’s illustrious sporting legacy."

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Hospitality

11's - bullshot and soup, lunch - a homemade 2 course meal, afternoon tea/cake and drinks for all the guns is included in the price. Extra guests are chargeable at £20 a head. 11's are taken in the field and the lunch and afternoon tea/cake is taken in Lord Foresters family home.

Birds

Guns can expect high, challenging, and sporting birds set against stunning scenery. The shoot is known for its exceptional presentation — with high-flying birds that will truly test skill and precision, as well as classic partridge driven over traditional hedgerows for a more traditional sporting experience.

Topography

Willey Park, located in Shropshire, England, features an impressive and varied topography that reflects the beauty of classic English countryside estates. The landscape is characterized by: Rolling Hills and Wooded Areas: The park boasts gentle hills that provide natural vantage points and create a sense of depth across the estate. These undulating terrains are interspersed with mature woodlands, creating a scenic backdrop that enhances the experience of shooting. Water Features: The estate is enriched with natural water bodies, including small lakes; which add to the tranquility and charm of the landscape and support and attract wildlife. Overall, the mix of natural topography, curated landscapes, and historic elements make Willey Park a distinguished example of English landscape design.

Conservation Efforts

We undertake various conservation efforts to maintain both environmental & historical integrity. Efforts to preserve & enhance habitats for local wildlife, including birds, mammals, and other species, are common. This involves maintaining woodlands, meadows, & hedgerows that provide food & shelter. Willey Park's wooded areas are managed through practices like sustainable forestry & reforestation to promote healthy growth. This involves selective planting, clearing invasive species, & maintaining ancient trees, which are crucial for local biodiversity and carbon capture. Conserving the park's historical landscape, including the house, monuments, & designed gardens, is essential for maintaining its heritage. It involves restoration projects, careful maintenance, and working with specialists

About the hosts

Following the tradition of his father, Lord Forester is a passionate advocate of field sports and grew up with a firm love of the countryside, with memberships of both BASC and The Countryside Alliance. Lord Forester hosts each day and works closely with his game keepers Philip and Conor. Over the years he has gradually reintroduced some of the estates older drives, to produce a shoot with such geographical variety that it will test the most experienced guns while providing excellent sport for those with less experience. The Foresters have long been a keen hunting and shooting family, dating back to before the Napoleonic wars when the first Lord Forester, Cecil, and his son John George, were both masters of the Belvoir Hunt in Rutland.

Travel information

We are located in the West Midlands, in an area that’s both picturesque and easily accessible. The shoot is well connected by major roads and motorways, making it convenient for those travelling from across the UK. For guests arriving by train, there are several nearby stations with good onward transport options, and we’re also within easy reach of major airports including Birmingham and Manchester. We will be in contact before your day with full details, directions, and any additional information to ensure your journey is smooth and straightforward.

Final thoughts

Our shoot is steeped in tradition and history, with the longest continuous gamebook dating back to 1820. Every day is personally hosted by Lord Forester, and the main meal is enjoyed in his family home — adding a truly special and authentic touch to the experience. It’s a shoot where heritage, hospitality, and exceptional sport come together in a setting rich with character and history.

Shoot here

07Nov

Pheasant, Partridge

1 of 8 guns available · 250 Bag

£1562.5 per gun
18Nov

Pheasant, Partridge

4 of 8 guns available · 250 Bag

£1562.5 per gun
12Dec

Pheasant, Partridge

Full team only

250 Bag

£1562.5 per gun
19Dec

Pheasant, Partridge

Full team only

250 Bag

£1562.5 per gun
02Jan

Pheasant, Partridge

Full team only

200 Bag

£1250 per gun

News & updates

Recommended by 0 guns

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Reviews

Mr. Matthew Aubrey

It was the second time of the season I visited and it definitely lives up to it name and reputation. I took a number of guns for a small ish day and it was a lovely day we were show enough birds to meet the bag and the quality of the show was shoot able for all guns and testing. I will hopefully be revisiting next season all be well.

5.8 points

Visit: multiple visits

M. A.

It was the first time iv shoot at Willy and what a great day it was not just the company of single guns but also from the Lord himself. The day that was put on was very enjoyable and all birds presented were shootable and testing too. We shot 7 guns because one didn’t turn up. The guns were very selective and we made the bag and the keeper didn’t fold the sky with game and tickled the birds out nicely with no rush and good sporting. I would definitely recommend this place to shoot at.

5.8 points

Visit: November 8th 2025

L. W.

Greatly driven birds lovely shoot and great meal and hospitality

5.1 points

Visit: multiple visits

G. J.

I wrote my first review about Willey Park six years ago when I first started shooting, since then I return at least twice each season. Over the years I have shot the length and breadth of the UK, big days, small days, extreme days and walked -up days but I constantly return to Willey Park because it is without doubt one of the best value days you will have with quality birds that are well presented, 8 guns nicely spread out and never a shortage of birds, the keeper Philip and his team of beaters and pickers-up all work extremely well together and I've never heard an excuse in all my time there, except of course from the guns on why they might have missed! Lord Forester is a great host and makes sure that your day goes as expected, you won't go home feeling hungry or disappointed. Whatever your criteria for measuring 'good value' Willey Park will tick all the boxes.

6 points

Visit: multiple visits

Mr. Simon Wood

I shot at Willey park on the 15th december, with 2 guests, and we had very enjoyable day, Lord Forester was a excellent host, and made us feel very welcome, along with his head gamekeeper. There was plenty of birds on all the drives, and they were presented perfectly, Some were very challenging, the beaters were very good, and you could tell they had been beating there for many years. Elevenses and dinner very enjoyable. Will be booking again . Simon Wood

6 points

Visit: December 15th 2021