The Sporting Lodge Journal
Your guide to expert advice and the latest updates in the world of country sports and outdoor activities.
Heritage Crafts Series Number 8: The Gundog Tra...
Working gundogs occupy a unique place within the British countryside, combining instinct, intelligence and generations of careful breeding with the deep bond between dog and handler. Few people understand that...
Heritage Crafts Series Number 8: The Gundog Tra...
Working gundogs occupy a unique place within the British countryside, combining instinct, intelligence and generations of careful breeding with the deep bond between dog and handler. Few people understand that...
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Heritage Crafts Series Number 7: The Master Gun...
We spoke with Bill Blacker & Son about a lifetime in traditional gunmaking — from his early apprenticeship to working with some of London’s most respected houses, and the craft...
Heritage Crafts Series Number 7: The Master Gun...
We spoke with Bill Blacker & Son about a lifetime in traditional gunmaking — from his early apprenticeship to working with some of London’s most respected houses, and the craft...
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Beretta — 500 Years of Craftsmanship
Few names in the world of field sports carry the same weight as Beretta. In 2026, the Italian maker marks an extraordinary milestone — 500 years of continuous operation, making...
Beretta — 500 Years of Craftsmanship
Few names in the world of field sports carry the same weight as Beretta. In 2026, the Italian maker marks an extraordinary milestone — 500 years of continuous operation, making...
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Heritage Crafts Series Number 6: The Master Roc...
We spoke with Pete Rix at Rix & Co about the enduring craft of rocking horse making — from its historic roots to the careful restoration of antique pieces, and...
Heritage Crafts Series Number 6: The Master Roc...
We spoke with Pete Rix at Rix & Co about the enduring craft of rocking horse making — from its historic roots to the careful restoration of antique pieces, and...
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Outdoor Calendar — April & May
There’s a shift in the season. Spring settles in quietly at first — longer days, cooler mornings, and a gradual return to the outdoors. The landscape begins to change, hedgerows...
Outdoor Calendar — April & May
There’s a shift in the season. Spring settles in quietly at first — longer days, cooler mornings, and a gradual return to the outdoors. The landscape begins to change, hedgerows...
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Whole Trout with Brown Butter, Almonds & New Po...
A simple dish, elevated — and well suited to the season. Ingredients 2 whole trout, cleaned 400g new potatoes 75g butter A small handful of flaked almonds 1 lemon A...
Whole Trout with Brown Butter, Almonds & New Po...
A simple dish, elevated — and well suited to the season. Ingredients 2 whole trout, cleaned 400g new potatoes 75g butter A small handful of flaked almonds 1 lemon A...
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Heritage Crafts Series Number 5: Tinsmithing
We spoke with John Wills, one of the last practising brazier-tinmen in the UK, about preserving traditional metalworking skills in a modern world. From hand-forming copper cookware to restoring historic...
Heritage Crafts Series Number 5: Tinsmithing
We spoke with John Wills, one of the last practising brazier-tinmen in the UK, about preserving traditional metalworking skills in a modern world. From hand-forming copper cookware to restoring historic...
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Heritage Crafts Series Number 4: Wheelwrighting
Could you introduce yourself and tell us what a Wheelwright does day-to-day? For those unfamiliar, what goes into making or restoring a traditional wooden wheel? My Name is Sam Rowland,...
Heritage Crafts Series Number 4: Wheelwrighting
Could you introduce yourself and tell us what a Wheelwright does day-to-day? For those unfamiliar, what goes into making or restoring a traditional wooden wheel? My Name is Sam Rowland,...
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The Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser: Built for the Har...
Few jackets in outdoor history carry the same reputation as the Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser. Built for foresters, prospectors and outdoorsmen working in the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Northwest,...
The Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser: Built for the Har...
Few jackets in outdoor history carry the same reputation as the Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser. Built for foresters, prospectors and outdoorsmen working in the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Northwest,...
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Ten British Walks Worth Packing For
There’s something about walking in Britain that never loses its appeal. From high mountain plateaus to rolling dales and windswept coastlines, the landscape offers endless ground to cover — each...
Ten British Walks Worth Packing For
There’s something about walking in Britain that never loses its appeal. From high mountain plateaus to rolling dales and windswept coastlines, the landscape offers endless ground to cover — each...
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Heritage Crafts Series Number 3: Traditional He...
For our latest instalment in the Heritage Crafts series, we spoke with Steven, the Devon Hedge Layer — a professional hedge layer since 2005 and a respected competitor on the...
Heritage Crafts Series Number 3: Traditional He...
For our latest instalment in the Heritage Crafts series, we spoke with Steven, the Devon Hedge Layer — a professional hedge layer since 2005 and a respected competitor on the...
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RRL by Ralph Lauren: A Living Archive of Americ...
Ralph Lauren at RRL Ranch in Colorado When Ralph Lauren introduced RRL by Ralph Lauren in 1993, it wasn’t simply an extension of the Polo universe — it was a...
RRL by Ralph Lauren: A Living Archive of Americ...
Ralph Lauren at RRL Ranch in Colorado When Ralph Lauren introduced RRL by Ralph Lauren in 1993, it wasn’t simply an extension of the Polo universe — it was a...
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A Brief History of Country Footwear
Country footwear has played an essential role in British rural life for centuries. From traditional leather riding boots to modern Wellington boots and waterproof country boots, footwear designed for the...
A Brief History of Country Footwear
Country footwear has played an essential role in British rural life for centuries. From traditional leather riding boots to modern Wellington boots and waterproof country boots, footwear designed for the...
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Heritage Crafts Series Number 2: Willow Growing...
Willow growing and basket making remain among the most enduring rural crafts in Britain. Using coppiced willow rods harvested in winter, skilled makers transform natural material into practical objects that...
Heritage Crafts Series Number 2: Willow Growing...
Willow growing and basket making remain among the most enduring rural crafts in Britain. Using coppiced willow rods harvested in winter, skilled makers transform natural material into practical objects that...
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Shotgun Inspection & Preventative Care: A Seaso...
Regular cleaning is an essential part of looking after a shotgun, and using the right gun cleaning kits and accessories helps maintain condition between seasons. But true care goes beyond...
Shotgun Inspection & Preventative Care: A Seaso...
Regular cleaning is an essential part of looking after a shotgun, and using the right gun cleaning kits and accessories helps maintain condition between seasons. But true care goes beyond...
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Heritage Crafts Series Number 1: Noble Stonework
Across the British countryside, dry stone walls have stood for hundreds of years — enduring, adaptable, and shaped entirely by human skill. To celebrate this remarkable craft, we spoke with...
Heritage Crafts Series Number 1: Noble Stonework
Across the British countryside, dry stone walls have stood for hundreds of years — enduring, adaptable, and shaped entirely by human skill. To celebrate this remarkable craft, we spoke with...
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Sitka Optifade Explained: The Science Behind Hu...
How Optifade camouflage changed concealment by studying how animals see the world. This article explains deer vision, colour contrast and why Optifade patterns work better than traditional camo.
Sitka Optifade Explained: The Science Behind Hu...
How Optifade camouflage changed concealment by studying how animals see the world. This article explains deer vision, colour contrast and why Optifade patterns work better than traditional camo.
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The Sporting Lodge Dog Calendar Competition 202...
After hundreds and hundreds of incredible entries, which we thank you all so much for - it’s given us hours of pleasure looking through them all! - we have taken...
The Sporting Lodge Dog Calendar Competition 202...
After hundreds and hundreds of incredible entries, which we thank you all so much for - it’s given us hours of pleasure looking through them all! - we have taken...
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The Sporting Lodge Guide to Gun Maintenance for...
A shotgun or rifle is something designed to be handed down through generations, servicing your gun is a vital part of preserving its condition and longevity. At The Sporting Lodge,...
The Sporting Lodge Guide to Gun Maintenance for...
A shotgun or rifle is something designed to be handed down through generations, servicing your gun is a vital part of preserving its condition and longevity. At The Sporting Lodge,...
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2026 Dog Calendar Competition
The Sporting Lodge Dog Calendar Competition is here for 2026! Send in your favourite photo of your furry friend enjoying the outdoors. We will Select our favourite 12 photos to...
2026 Dog Calendar Competition
The Sporting Lodge Dog Calendar Competition is here for 2026! Send in your favourite photo of your furry friend enjoying the outdoors. We will Select our favourite 12 photos to...
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Fjällräven and GORE-TEX. Two Icons, One Purpose.
Fjällräven and the GORE-TEX Brand reunite for Autumn Winter 2025/26 with a new collection of hard-wearing shells built around the PFAS-free ePE membrane. This article explores the history behind the...
Fjällräven and GORE-TEX. Two Icons, One Purpose.
Fjällräven and the GORE-TEX Brand reunite for Autumn Winter 2025/26 with a new collection of hard-wearing shells built around the PFAS-free ePE membrane. This article explores the history behind the...
Read more