The Glorious Twelfth: A Proud Country Tradition
The Glorious Twelfth (12th August) is one of the most iconic dates in the British sporting calendar. It marks the official opening of the red grouse shooting season in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. More than just a sporting date, it symbolises centuries of countryside tradition, heritage, and conservation. Since the 19th century, grouse shooting has brought together landowners, sportsmen, beaters, and gamekeepers in a shared celebration of the rural way of life.
The red grouse, a bird native to the UK, thrives on heather moorland—a landscape that is actively managed and preserved by estates to maintain biodiversity. The Glorious Twelfth not only opens the season for grouse but signals the beginning of months of field sports, with partridge season following on September 1st and pheasant season on October 1st. These dates are more than a call to arms; they represent the changing rhythms of rural Britain, connecting generations of shooters, conservationists, and countryside communities.
Whether you’re taking part in a formal driven shoot or heading out for a rough walk with the dog and a gun, the start of the shooting season is a time of anticipation, preparation, and - most importantly - getting the gear in order.
Dressing for the Field: Essential Shooting and Country Sports Clothing
What you wear on a shoot isn’t just about appearance - it’s about functionality, comfort, protection, and tradition. The right kit ensures you stay warm, dry, silent, and able to move freely across fields, woods, or open moorland. At the heart of any shooting wardrobe are technical outer layers: waterproof jackets, smocks, trousers, and breeks. These form the frontline defence against wind, rain, and brush. A successful day in the field starts with being properly outfitted. When you’re prepared for the weather, the terrain, and the traditions of country sport, you can focus on your aim and enjoy the day to the fullest.
Explore the New Forest Range
New Forest Nightjar Range – Lightweight & All-Weather Ready
Ideal for active shooters and unpredictable weather. Take on the elements with the New Forest Nightjar Range – our lightest weight, most breathable gear yet. Available in Men’s and Ladies Smocks and Trousers, this range is engineered for high performance in harsh conditions. The Nightjar Smock features cutting-edge weatherproofing, exceptional breathability, and a zipped kangaroo pouch with magnetic closure – perfect for securely storing accessories. Best for upland shooting, dog handlers, and warm-weather days.
New Forest Country Sport Range – The Ultimate in Versatility
Ideal for all-season country pursuits. Our most adaptable range yet, the New Forest Country Sport Range is made from a soft-touch, silent, 3-layer laminate fabric. It’s fully waterproof, windproof, and breathable (10,000mm hydrostatic head / 10,000g moisture vapour transmission rate), meaning you stay dry, silent, and focused. Choose from Men’s and Ladies Jackets, Smocks, Trousers, Men’s Breeks, and complete the look with the Country Sport Trucker Cap. Best for driven shoots, walk-up days, and pheasant season.
New Forest Marsh Range – New for 2025
Ideal for mixed country pursuits year-round. Blending traditional styling with modern performance, the brand-new Marsh Jacket is made for the full range of country sports, from shooting and fishing to dog walking. The rugged-yet-refined outer fabric is paired with a lightweight padded lining and a 10,000mm waterproof / 5,000 MVP breathable membrane for comfort through all four seasons. Available in both Mens & Ladies Sizes, the Marsh is best for all-day shoots, mixed outdoor activities, and countryside leisure.
New Forest English Made Tweed – Timeless Country Style
Ideal for traditional shoots and unbeatable value. Tweed has long been the hallmark of the British shooting field, and our English-made tweed shooting jackets and gilets are unbeatable in both quality and price. At just £100 a jacket, these pieces offer warmth, durability, and classic country style at a fraction of the usual cost. Best for formal driven days, gamekeepers, and affordable traditional wear.
New Forest Performance Field Range – Built for the British Countryside
Ideal for cold, wet-weather days and rural life. The Performance Field Coat, Trousers, and new Ladies Robyn Jacket combine timeless rural styling with rugged modern features. The honeycomb rip-stop fabric ensures lasting durability, while the padded insulation delivers warmth in the harshest weather. This range is your go-to for dog walks, countryside adventures, and field sports. Best for cold, wet days, clay shooting, and countryside living.
In Summary:
Lightweight and breathable? Go Nightjar
Versatile and silent? Choose Country Sport
Modern style with all-weather use? Try the new Marsh
Traditional tweed on a budget? Pick English Made Tweed
Cold-weather durability? Opt for our bestselling Performance Field range
The Glorious Twelfth is not just a date - it’s a season opener, a lifestyle, and a tradition worth dressing for. Whatever your style or shooting needs, New Forest Clothing has a range designed to keep you comfortable, protected, and looking your best out in the field.
Shop the full New Forest Collection today and gear up for the shooting season in style.
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