Mendip Shooting Ground is a premier multi-discipline shooting facility located in the heart of the Mendip Hills, Somerset, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Established as a family business in the 1950s by Arthur Hill, it has evolved from a small farm sideline into a sophisticated 100-acre complex now managed by the Hill family. The ground is famous for its unique valley terrain, which provides some of the most realistic and challenging "high pheasant" target presentations in the West of England.
The facility caters to all levels of expertise, offering a diverse array of clay pigeon disciplines and specialized ranges. With over 70 automatic clay launchers and advanced automation systems like Multi-pull, the ground ensures high-quality practice and competition environments. The site is a regular host for CPSA-registered shoots and serves as the training base for elite teams, including the Millfield School shooting squad.
Shooting Disciplines & Ranges
Clay Pigeon: English Sporting (ESP) set in a natural valley, Skeet, Down the Line (DTL), Universal Trench (UT), and 5 Trap.
Air Rifle: Dedicated outdoor Field Target (FT) and Hunter Field Target (HFT) courses, plus a 30-yard indoor range.
Full-Bore Rifle: A unique 100-meter underground zeroing facility for centerfire rifles.
Specialty Layouts: Automatic Ball Trap (ABT) for advanced shooters and a dedicated undercover "Zero Range" for air rifles.
For beginners, Mendip offers comprehensive "Have a Go" packages that include professional instruction, gun hire, and cartridges under a police exemption certificate, meaning no license is required for newcomers. Advanced coaching is also available from CPSA-qualified instructors, focusing on technical precision and mental concentration. The ground’s infrastructure is designed for all-day comfort, featuring a modern three-story clubhouse with a restaurant and meeting facilities.
Key Advantages & Features
Natural Terrain: The steep valley slopes allow for diverse target elevations that simulate real-life hunting scenarios.
Night Shooting: Seasonal Thursday evening sessions under high-performance LED floodlights.
Mendip Kitchen Café: On-site restaurant serving locally sourced Somerset breakfasts and hot meals.
Accessibility: Fully accessible clubhouse with lift access and wheelchair-friendly paths throughout the shooting bays.
On-site Pro Shop: Offers a wide selection of cartridges, accessories, and expert advice for shooters.
Beyond individual practice, the ground is a hub for corporate team building, stag and hen parties, and regional championships. Membership options provide preferential rates on coaching and practice rounds, fostering a strong community of local and national enthusiasts. To maintain harmony with the surrounding nature, the ground operates a strict noise-control policy, requiring the use of specialized "Mendip" cartridges.
