Basford Shooting Ground is a long-standing, family-run facility located in the scenic Churnet Valley within the Staffordshire Moorlands. Established in 1976 by Brian (Stan) and Joan Smith, the ground is currently managed by their grandson, Robin Smith, representing the third generation of the family to run the business. The site is known for its warm, friendly atmosphere where family members are actively involved in maintaining the grounds and assisting visitors.
The shooting infrastructure is set within 30 acres of mature woodland, offering a natural and challenging environment for enthusiasts. It features 13 individual stands designed for 75-bird sporting clay shoots, with the setup changed for every event to ensure variety and cater to all ability levels. All stands are equipped with fully automatic traps and a modern push-button release system, allowing for seamless practice and competition.
The facility is highly inclusive, welcoming everyone from "top shots" to complete novices and juniors. For those without their own equipment, the ground provides gun hire and introductory sessions that cover the basics of clay shooting and essential gun safety. While independent shooters must present a current shotgun certificate, those attending for private tuition or organized group events can participate without one.
Complementing the shooting ranges are the Basford 'Smithys' fishing pools, which encompass 10 acres of water across four distinct pools. These pools were originally dug by the founders in 1987 and feature clay bottoms with an average depth of 6 feet. The water is well-stocked with a range of coarse fish, including Roach, Perch, Tench, Bream, and Carp, with specimens recently caught weighing over 29lbs.
Basford Shooting Ground also serves as a popular venue for social and corporate gatherings, including stag and hen parties, team-building outings, and private group activities. The facility maintains a competitive edge by hosting regular fixtures and publishing results online, and they have already released their schedule for 2026.
Key Features of the Facility
Acreage: 30 acres of woodland shooting area and 10 acres of water for fishing.
Shooting Discipline: Specialized in English Sporting with 75-bird courses over 13 stands.
Equipment: Fully automatic traps, push-button release, and professionally colored clays.
Fishing Species: Trophy Carp (up to 29lb+), Bream, Tench, Roach, and Perch.
Services: Gun hire, private tuition, and catering for corporate/private groups.
Requirements: Current shotgun certificate required for non-tutored shooting.
Opening Hours
Days: Open every 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sunday of each month.
Booking In: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.
