About Us

Hunting

The South Dorset hounds hunt within the law and comply with the Hunting Act 2004 by trail hunting. Some trails are laid before the meet and others are laid during the day by a combination of runners and people on horses or quadbikes

Country

The South Dorset stretches from Dorchester in the West to Bournemouth in the East and Glanvilles Wootton in the North including a stretch of Jurassic Coastline. It is predominantly downland in mixed farming country. The vale country in the North is renowned as being some of the toughest to cross. The heathland and forestry along the coast is hunted in the spring to April.

History

The country was originally part of that hunted by Mr. J.J. Farquharson from 1806-1858. On Mr. Farquharson's resignation, Mr. Radclyffe of Hyde House near Wareham bought a proportion of his hounds which he kennelled at his home and established the South Dorset Hunt.

Elliot Lees brought the pack in 1886 and kennelled hounds at Sturminster Marshall and on retirement presented the hounds to the country. Mr. Featherstonhaugh Frampton kennelled hounds at Moreton until 1894 when after a short period in temporary accommodation permanent kennels were established on the present site.