This Nottinghamshire ground will be hosting the Clay Shooting Classic later this year. We explore the ground and its range of top-notch facilities
Believed to have opened in the 1980s and acquired in 2016 by the present owners, Daniel Martin and Emily Richards, the sprawling Orston Shooting Ground sits just six-or-so miles away from Nottingham and qualifies as one of the premier clubs in the Midlands, if not the entire country.
Both of the owners are keen shots. Emily mostly shoots game, whereas Martin shoots a combination of sporting, FITASC and ST, having moved away from trap shooting a few years ago – where he shot for GB as a junior at European level with Peter Wilson. Daniel has since shot for his county across the sporting disciplines on many occasions.
Occupying 52 acres of immaculately maintained rural Nottinhamshire grounds, Orston offers the gamut of shooting discipline facilities. The full range is impressive: there are two Skeet layouts, two Down The Line, 15 Sporting stands, which are changed on a weekly basis, four competition FITASC layouts, four competition Sportrap layouts, a Pool Shoot layout, an Automatic Ball Trap and a UT layout to boot. You would have to revisit Orston many, many times to make your way around the lot.
Need some tuition? Then head coach Stevan Walton is at hand. Steve is a double gold Commonwealth medallist in Double Trap and has won many other international, European and national championships. He teaches all disciplines, from beginners up to experienced shots, including some well-known competition guns. And if Steve is busy, other coaches are drafted in to ensure you’re covered.
We asked Daniel and Emily what sets the ground apart. “Our site incorporates a large array of disciplines available all week and hard standing access around the whole site, making year-round shooting available in all weathers,” they said.
“Sporting targets are changed on a weekly basis, the quality of equipment bringing the latest technology to all our layouts with little to no breakdowns and no birds. Fantastic access from the road network makes us easy to find and get to from all corners of the country. We provide the full all-round package of what the modern clay shooter expects from a premier plus facility.” It sounds mightily impressive, and it is.
It doesn’t end when you take the gun off your shoulder. There’s an impressive clubhouse to enjoy something to eat, have a coffee or something stronger from the fully licensed bar. A fully-stocked gun and equipment shop completes the premier facilities.
Given its location and excellent road access, Orston is an easy reach from most of the Midlands and the north (though visitors also come from much further afield). You are guaranteed to receive an excellent reception, some world class tuition, superb food and a brilliant day of shooting.
Who’s who?
Owners Daniel Martin and Emily Richards bought the grounds from Charlie Deacon in 2016. Head coach Stevan Walton offers one-to-one tuition for all levels of shot. Tara handles the clubhouse catering and Russel looks after the grounds themselves.
What’s on offer?
A huge array of stands, traps and layouts. Sporting, Sportrap, Driven Practice, FITSAC, COMPAK, Skeet, DTL, ABT and UT all feature.
Any restrictions?
Maximum cartridge load is 28g, size 6.
Why Orston?
A huge, 52-acre establishment, it offers an enormous range of shooting, ample parking, great food and drinks in the modern clubhouse, disabled access and a friendly set of staff. Add to this the easy-to-reach location and good road access and you’re onto a winner.
When is it open?
Orston is now open five days a week throughout the year from 9am – 5pm, Wednesday – Sunday.
Where is it?
Orston Shooting Ground,
Bottesford Lane,
Orston,
Nottinghamshire, NG13 9NX.
01949 851181, 07921951477
Email: info@orston.com
Visit: www.orston.com
How to get there
From the A1 get off at Long Bennington, head to Bottesford, take Bottesford Lane towards Orston village. The ground is located 2 miles from Bottesford.
From the A52, turn off at Orston, follow the road to the village. At the crossroads turn right down Bottesford lane, follow the road for 1 mile. The ground is located on the left.
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