Lees Court Shoot
Shoot · Kent · 181 followers
181 followers
Lees Court is renowned for its first class shoot, which takes place over much of the Estate with the highest birds being presented over the steep sided valley that runs north to south through the middle of the Estate. The shoot is highlighted in Richard Purdey's chapter within Alex Brant's book "The World's Best Shoots" published in September 2008.
The first day of the season will take place in October, with 20 or more days through to the end of January. A mix of pheasants and red-legged partridges are reared and released on the Estate for the shooting season.
The Countess Sondes, who runs the Lees Court Shoot, assumed the responsibility on the death of her husband, The Earl Sondes, in 1996. She is assisted by her gamekeeper Shayne Dean, and employs up to an additional 60 people on shoot days, including beaters, pickers up, loaders and catering staff.
The Countess Sondes is a vociferous supporter of shooting. She thinks it is important that this historically significant way of life is maintained and believes the shoot improves biodiversity on the Estate, as well as generating local employment and supporting the rural economy.
In 2013, the Estate won the Bronze Purdey Award for Game and Conservation.
In continuing the excellent work in promoting shooting and conservation, it was a pleasure for our Keeper, Shayne Dean, to be presented with the NGO David Bellamy Award 2017.
Hospitality
Elevenses is served by the staff from the house, a varied selection of Lees Court salami, hot 'finger food', beef consommé, fruit and chocolates that you can take with you and a selection of drinks (including soft).
Lunch is served in the Shoot Lodge which is within the grounds of Stringman's Farm house, home of The Countess Sondes.
Pre-lunch drinks are served around the indoor pool. Lunch starts with a homemade soup, followed a roast dinner, cheese selection and tea/coffee. We usually shoot through to lunch, which can be enjoyable and leisurely with no need to rush back out. However, if a team wishes to stop early in the afternoon for lunch and return to shooting afterwards, we can always accommodate this.
Topography
Set in the heart of the Kent North Downs, the Shoot is renowned for its steep-sided valley which runs through the heart of the Estate. A number of the drives are within the valley, with birds being driven from either woodland or game plots; in addition, and to add variety, there are a number of woodland ride drives and carefully sited game plots. This allows for a very varied day's shooting.
Partridges add spice and excitement to many of the high valley drives.
About the hosts
The Countess Sondes enjoys being out on the Shoot, and you will often find her tying up birds at the game cart and liaising closely with the Shoot Captain, the Gamekeepers and the Estate Administrator to make sure the day runs smoothly.
The Housekeeping Team are always ready to assist with the many varied requests from guns and guests.
Travel information
Lees Court is easily reached from the M2 and M20 motorways, and is only an hour and a half from London by car.
Less than 30min drive away from Eurotunnel and the gateway to Europe.
Helicopters can be easily landed close to the Shoot Lodge.
Faversham and Ashford Railway are also within 30mins of the Estate
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