A trail hunt open day in Suffolk drew a mixed reaction as supporters of the sport called for a government u-turn on banning it.

The Puckeridge & Essex, East Essex and Essex & Suffolk Hunt gathered at James Buckle's farm at Semer, Hadleigh, on Saturday, September 14, as part of a nationwide campaign.

Around 200 to 250 people turned up to watch the hunt in action and 72 riders took part. A tent serving burgers and coffees raised just over £400 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Trail hunt organisers are calling on the new Labour government - which made a manifesto pledge to ban trail hunting - to rethink its stance.

They invited members of the public to come and see what they do for themselves. They believe that criticism of the pursuit - which involves laying an animal scent trail for hounds to follow - is misguided.

Hounds at the Essex and Suffolk Hunt (Image: Olivia Rose Photography)

But members of Suffolk Action for Wildlife and North London Hunt Saboteurs - which protested outside the farm where the meet was held - renewed their call for trail hunting to be banned, citing animal casualties and breaches of a 20-year-old law banning fox hunting.

Protesters outside the open day at Semer (Image: Suffolk Action for Wildlife) The Semer meet was one of 28 events organised around the country by the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA).

Richard Cranfield, chairman of the Essex and Suffolk Hunt, said it was a day demonstrating how trail hunting works. Some observers were driven around to give them a view of the hunt - and the pack - in action.

"It's quite difficult for people on foot to see that because obviously we go across the countryside," he said. "Everyone enjoyed it but it was very hot."

The hot conditions weren't ideal for the hunt as the hounds could follow the scent better in cool and damp conditions, he added.

(Image: Suffolk Action for Wildlife)

BHSA managing director Olly Hughes said: “There is a myth promoted by our opponents that trail hunting is the preserve of a certain echelon of society far removed from most people’s experience.

"This is simply not true. Anyone who has taken the time to attend the National Trail Hunting Day will have seen that those who support trail hunting represent as diverse a demographic as you would see at any other sporting event.

"Furthermore, the allegation that trail hunting is a cover for illegal activities is patently false. The facts show that trail hunting is a legal, legitimate and well-regulated activity that is fully compliant with the Hunting Act.”

But Anna Bye, chair of Suffolk Action for Wildlife, believes that only a total ban on trail hunting with no loopholes will stop illegal fox hunting. She claimed trail hunting was a "smoke screen" to continue the practice.

"They have had over 20 years now to comply with the law," she said. 

"They are relentless and will use any loophole, as we saw with the bird of prey exemption intended to allow falconers to flush game with dogs."

The meet at Essex and Suffolk Hunt (Image: Olivia Rose Photography)