Willow Farm Shooting Ground is a premier clay pigeon shooting facility located in the heart of the Kent countryside near Tenterden. Established over 25 years ago, the ground spans approximately 29–30 acres of diverse terrain, featuring a mix of open land and wooded areas. The facility is owned and managed by Tom Jones, who holds a sterling reputation in the shooting community for his expert course-setting and innovative target presentations.
The ground is technically advanced, utilizing high-quality Promatic traps and a Claymate (Multipull) smart-card system, which allows shooters to practice at their own pace with automated counting. The layout is designed to be both "fair" and challenging, with specific stands like the "Compak from hell" known for testing even veteran shooters.
Training and accessibility are central to the club's mission. Experienced instructors, including Terry, Patrick, and Colin, are frequently praised for their calm and encouraging teaching style. The facility offers inclusive packages for those without their own equipment or license, making it a popular destination for families (minimum age 10) and corporate groups.
Key Disciplines & Competitions:
English Sporting (ESP): 70-bird layouts for practice; 100-bird registered competitions on Sundays.
Other Registered Disciplines: English Skeet (ESK), Down The Line (DTL), Automatic Ball Trap (ABT), Compak Sporting (CSP), and FITASC (FSP).
Special Events: High Gun prizes (often £100) and specific challenges like "Snooker".
Training Packages:
Novice Packages: Includes 25 or 50 clays, instructor, gun hire, and cartridges (£55 / £100).
Experience "Have a Go": A 10-shot taster session for £15 (Juniors) or £20 (Adults).
Professional Coaching: Individual or group sessions available for experienced shooters to refine their technique.
Who it suits:
Beginners: Full instruction provided; no shotgun certificate required for novice packages.
Athletes: Challenging CPSA-registered shoots and diverse target presentations.
Families & Groups: Welcoming atmosphere for ages 10+ and dedicated corporate event days.
Key Advantages:
Expert Design: Targets set by Tom Jones, a highly regarded course setter.
Diverse Terrain: 30 acres of beautifully maintained woodland and open fields.
Top-Tier Service: Includes a clubhouse, on-site catering via a "top-notch" food wagon, and clean facilities.
Technical Reliability: Consistent performance using Promatic equipment and smart-card automation.
