Radley's new Countryside Centre, which opened in 2005, aims to provide practical hands-on experience of animal husbandry. Radley has had a beagle pack since 1940, but this new venture also includes cattle, sheep, pigs, ducks, pheasants and chickens, with rare breeds such as Oxford sandy & black pigs, and Jacob sheep.

Boys can volunteer to work at the Countryside Centre as part of the Wednesday activity programme and at weekends. As well as legal hunting activities with the beagles, boys can become involved in ferretting, pest control and clay pigeon shooting.

After two years working for the Countryside Foundation for Education, Albert Hickson returned to Radley in 2005 as Countryside Officer. The Centre is open to visits from other schools and community groups, who should contact Albert on 01235 543160 for further information.

From the archives - ferrying the beagles across the river, post World War 2