Essex Shooting Ground, located in the picturesque village of Fyfield, is a premier destination for clay pigeon shooting that caters to everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals. Managed by a team with experience in the gun trade dating back to 1986, the ground provides a professional environment that balances traditional shooting values with modern technology. Its strategic location makes it easily accessible, being roughly 25 minutes from the M11 and 30 minutes from the M25.
The ground’s primary technological advantage is the installation of the Claymate system across all layouts. This infrastructure features a "solo delay" function, which allows individual shooters to practice without a companion or trapper by setting a timer for the target release. This autonomy is highly valued by competitive shooters who require focused, high-intensity training sessions.
The facility is equipped to host several major disciplines, featuring recently updated layouts:
English Sporting: A comprehensive layout offering over 120 different bird targets that are changed regularly.
English Skeet: Two dedicated skeet ranges equipped with high and low towers.
Down the Line (DTL): A specialized trap layout where targets move away from the shooter at various angles.
Multi-Trap Stands: Several stands featuring up to 8 different target variations on each to simulate realistic field conditions.
Professional coaching is a cornerstone of the Essex Shooting Ground experience, with instruction available for individuals and small groups. The teaching staff includes highly qualified experts such as Karl Griffin, a Level 2 CPSA Sporting and Skeet coach with 45 years of experience, and Phil Butcher, a retired London Gunmaker specialized in fine-tuning shooting techniques. Beginners are provided with Beretta 12 or 20-gauge shotguns, while smaller gauges are available for younger shooters (ages 14+) and ladies.
Beyond individual practice, the ground is a popular venue for corporate team building and social events. Group bookings often include a dedicated instructor and a winner's trophy for parties of four or more. While the ground provides basic refreshments and a clubhouse, it maintains partnerships with local country pubs, such as The Black Bull and The Queen's Head, which offer full dining options for post-shooting gatherings.
Pricing for services is structured to accommodate both regular members and visitors. Clay targets are priced at approximately £0.37 each, with a 5% discount applied to the final tally to account for "no birds". Individual tuition on weekdays is priced at £89 per hour, which includes 50 clays and 50 cartridges, while dedicated safety certificate courses for prospective shotgun license holders are available for £110.
