Then there is Field Archery, where many different targets are placed around a wood and you shoot at them as you come to them. There is no rush, you have plenty of time to aim, but you may have to avoid tree branches and bushes to hit the target, and you may have to shoot across valleys or rivers, or up and down hill. At some shoots you may be allowed a sight on your bow and be told the distance to the target, but at most field shoots you will not, so you shoot "instinctively" by pointing your arrow at the target. To take up this form of archery phone The National Field Archery Society, Pam Hudson on 01254 248317 or the English Field Archery Association, Chris Cox on 01767 627123 or e-mail: efaa@fieldarcher.com.
Medieval or "Re-enactment" archery is catching on fast, using only English longbows with wooden arrows, similar to the equipment used at Agincourt or in the days of Robin Hood. The archers wear the costume of the period, and put on displays at castles and country houses across the country. O.K, so it's "dressing up", but you've still got to be able to shoot well when you're in front of a crowd. This archery is for men and women who have never really grown up, but I met a grown-up once and I didn't like him. There is no national body for this; the archers are all in their own little groups, but there is an excellent directory listing them and their forthcoming events called "Call to Arms", O1 953 681 676.
Some people don't want to join clubs, they just want to shoot in their own back gardens, but if you are going to do this you must have plenty of space. There is a lot of difference between a back garden in a suburb and a couple of acres in the countryside. We would always recommend that you find a competent archer or coach to start you off; archery is too risky if you don't know what you are about. Bows are not toys, they are weapons. Read Hints on Safety under Technical Advice.