There are many reasons to get involved with archery, and many different places where you can practice. There are several types of archery - indoor shooting, field archery, and beginner classes. Whether you are looking for a local club or are looking to compete at a national level, there are several locations in the UK that will suit your needs.
Field archery
Field archery is a fun and challenging sport. It is an excellent activity for both children and adults. It is a good choice for beginners and has less rigid rules than target shooting. Children can participate in the sport from a very young age, provided that they are mobile enough to walk a distance. However, non-shooting parents must be associate members of an archery society and be aware of the rules.
The sport is increasingly popular in the UK. There are now more than 100 registered clubs and more than 6,000 members of the National Field Archery Society. These clubs promote archery and organise regular competitions.
Indoor shooting
With the cold winter months drawing closer, indoor shooting is the perfect opportunity to get into the sport and to practice your skills. Unlike outdoor shooting, this involves shooting smaller targets from a shorter distance. These shooting ranges typically range from 20 yards to 18 metres. This is a great way to improve your score, gain confidence, and prepare for shooting outdoors.
Indoor shooting in the UK is different from outdoor competitions. The distances are smaller than the ones used in outdoor competitions. However, the sport is still widely practised in the UK. Outdoors, distances are set at a distance of 30 m or 98 yards, depending on the age group and experience of the archers.
Beginner's class
Before you try archery, it's essential to know what to wear. You won't want to be too hot or too cold, as that will make it difficult to shoot accurately. The best advice is to dress in loose, comfortable clothes and avoid bulky jackets, which will hinder your shooting. You'll also want to wear thin layers, and you may want to bring a waterproof jacket if the weather is cold. Finally, you'll want to wear protective tabs and bracers on your fingers. You should also avoid open-toed shoes.
While target archery takes place indoors, field archery is best done outdoors. There are different distances to shoot at and can be challenging, and it's also a great way to stay active. It also helps you to relieve stress and improve your mental health. You can choose to do archery on your own or with a group.
Public land
In England, public land is available for archery practice. However, it is important to obtain permission from the landowner first. Usually, this is granted to established clubs.
The UK government does not permit archery on private land. This is because the UK is a country full of small areas with high human densities. This makes it difficult to find large areas of wooded land. Also, even the well-known wildlife habitats are often surrounded by human settlements.