Mark began his bird shooting career at the age of 9, standing by his Fathers side on the Willinghurst Shoot in Cranleigh, Surrey.
His first deer stalking experience began at The Dalmunzie Estate, with Head Keeper, Steve Halliday.
Mark went on to manage deer on a number of farms and estates in the South of England.
This included invaluable experience in some of the major deer parks in the country, including Woburn Abbey and it was there he joined forces with his long-time friend, Herbert White.
It wasn’t until Mark visited Islay in the mid 1980’s and met Mr. Ken Aldridge from A&C Sporting Services, did Mark realise that he wanted to make Islay his home.
The Gearach Forest was purchased in 2000 and the dream of doing something that is your hobby for a living became a reality.
Over the years The Gearach’s reputation has gone from strength to strength, clients return year on year for the Woodcock Hunting and Deer Stalking.
We feel that living in the forestry since 2004 has enabled us to get close to the deer and birds. Our management plan as grown and expanded over the years and the forestry is like a 5* hotel for birds and deer. Our depth of knowledge and experience has grown phenomenally because we live in the forestry in such close proximity to them, this enables us to give you, our clients, the very best Sporting Break.
We look forward to Welcoming You to The Gearach.
