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THE BDS EAST ANGLIA BRANCH

Information on the British Deer Society (BDS) East Anglia branch including events, contacts, and news.

Branch AREA and committee

ChairSteven Houghtonchaireastanglia@bds.org.uk
SecretaryMark Thackstoneeastanglia@bds.org.uk
TreasurerSam Mahoney 
RCOShaun Hawkins 

Committee Members:
Ben Taylor,
Mick Collins,
Chris Rogers,
Stuart Goode.

Postcode Area 
AL St Albans 
CB Cambridge
CM Chelmsford
CO Colchester
E London
EC London
EN Enfield
HP Hemel Hempstead
IG Ilford
IP Ipswich
LU Luton
MK Milton Keynes
N London
NR Norwich
RM Romford
SG Stevenage
SS Southend-on-Sea

EVENTS

Date

EVENT

Saturday 18th may 2024

Range Day

Friday 9th august 2024

Range Day

See the news section for more details on events.

NEXT BDS NATIONAL EVENT

No upcoming events, please check back soon.

NEWS

Branch Range Days 2024

The range will be available from 10:00 until 15:00. But arrive early for bacon rolls (served from 0900 to 10:00)!

The cost per person will be £20.00. The entrance to the range is off the A1088 between Fakenham Magna and Euston, on the left hand side heading north; there will be a BDS sign opposite the entrance. The most appropriate postcode for those using a satnav device is IP24 2QP.
Tip – when you arrive at Euston, park your car where indicated and take your kit to the range proper, where you sign in. It will save you a trek!


Shooting will be possible from distances of 300 metres and less (we start closer to 100m). There will be the opportunity to practice shooting from a variety of positions (e.g. prone, kneeling, sitting, standing, etc) and practice/try the new DSC1 shooting test. Remember that this is a training day so if you want help or advice on any aspect of sporting rifle shooting, do ask.

Because the range is on private land, you do NOT need a certificate of competence to shoot there, but be aware you must receive a range brief before being allowed to shoot. You must also bring your BDS membership card and FAC.

Some people have asked about bringing guests (with FAC). This is possible – these are the rules:-

Visitors to the club who hold a current firearms certificate, who are bona fide members of another Home Office approved club or clubs and whom a Member of the British Deer Society Rifle Club sponsors, may shoot in club range events. The sponsor must ensure that he and the visitor enter all relevant details on the range register before the visitor takes part in any shooting under the auspices of the club.

Steve Houghton
Chair East Anglia Branch BDS
chaireastanglia@bds.org.uk

Reeves Muntjac deer close up in Norfolk England
adult roe buck

Stay in touch

If your contact information has changed please make sure to let us know.  To update your details simply email membership@bds.org.uk or call 01425 655434.

Latest News

Skye DVC Project

Skye DVC Project: Pioneering Safety for Deer and Drivers on Skye

The project aims to raise awareness, engage the community, collect data, build partnerships, and influence driver behaviour to improve safety for both deer and drivers. Read the full blog article to find out more and read Scott MacKenzie from Fearnan Eilean Iarmain estate comments on the project which highlights the importance of targeting driver behaviour and awareness.

Deer O Deer Garden at RHS Tatton Park Flower Show

RHS Tatton Park Flower Show: A Golden Triumph

Discover how the BDS and talented garden designers Alice Meacham and Trudi Robson triumphed at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show with their gold medal-winning “Deer O Deer” display. This innovative garden, blending stunning floral arrangements with thoughtful design and steel deer silhouettes, showcases how to create beautiful, deer-friendly spaces.

fallow buck by Lubos Houska

Apply Now for Funding to Cover the Costs of Your DSC1 and DSC2 Training (England only)

The Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund is now open for new applications (England only). 

Through this fund you may be eligible to receive funding to cover the costs of your DSC1 or DSC2 training with The British Deer Society (BDS). This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone hoping to enhance their competency and skills in deer management.

Funding for courses is limited and we would encourage you to apply now if interested.

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