Rare plants, exotic trees, stunning sculptures – money can purchase all these things but it can’t buy wildlife. This is what makes creating your own private nature reserve so special.…
David Tomlinson
Gundog injuries: be prepared
Working your gundog in the beating line, or as a picking up dog, is seldom thought of as a high-risk job. Well, it’s not usually for the handler but it…
Should you neuter your dog?
Is it really a good idea to neuter your dog? The question was prompted by a friend after she had taken her spaniel bitch to the vet to have her…
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: surprisingly sporty
A while back I interviewed a gundog breeder and trainer with a passion for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. He assured me that the cavalier was the perfect gamebag gundog. You…
Is the pheasant the best gamebird?
The popularity of wild game and large numbers released has tarnished the reputation of the pheasant, argues David Tomlinson. But our best gamebird still deserves the utmost respect – and…
Essential gundog products – what to buy?
Last month, I was walking by a local fishing lake when I was amused to see a carp fisherman struggling to wheel his equipment along the path. I was tempted…
Helping Solitary Bees
We all know honeybees, and the majority of us are equally familiar with bumblebees, even if we struggle to name them individually, but solitary bees? They are a huge group…
Spaniel minority breeds
I recently had a long chat with a spaniel enthusiast who argued, quite convincingly, that the only spaniels we need are cockers and springers, and that all the others are…
The different colours of gundogs
It’s long been argued that a good horse can’t be a bad colour, and I reckon that’s generally true with gundogs, too. However, most of us have preferences, so when…
The sporting dogs helping to protect endangered species
Many sporting dogs are helping with conservation and helping to protect endangered species such as bats and water voles in the UK. Earlier this winter, I was walking my spaniel…