Simon Whitehead and his Pakefield Ferrets can be seen across the length and breadth of the country during the busy show season. He is a unique character in modern day Britain; a traditional warrener and author of many books including the acclaimed Ahead of the Game.

Simon has demonstrated at many major events and currently performs at over thirty shows ranging from small village green events to game fairs and everything in between. His constantly evolving arena demonstrations are ranked amongst the most entertaining, amusing and educational on the UK show circuit.

See thirty minutes of action-packed, unscripted drama as he recounts the ferrets’ journey. Often copied but never bettered, this demonstration by a team who earn their living “rabbiting” remains unequalled, as Simon definitely puts the “ferret” back into ferreting.

Not content with supplying a first-class act in the arena he also delivers a static display through which Simon educates the world about the ferret, the rabbit and how the entwined relationship between the two has played out over the years.  Photographs, illustrations and a TV screen illustrate the craft he relies on to provide food, shelter and clothing for his family. In short, the art of ferreting and the welfare of working ferrets are explained in full.

In between demonstrations Simon, his ferrets and dogs are on hand for interaction with the public and the static display is always a hive of activity as there are many questions to be answered, ferrets to be held and stories to be told!  As ferreting is normally carried out in unsociable surroundings and often in solitude, Simon uses both the arena demonstrations and static display to explain and illustrate why ferreting, in the true sense of the word, is fast becoming  more sought after in the countryside and towns of the UK. The ferreter is the epitome of the organic and environmentally friendly hunter/gatherer and, as such, a supplier of first class organic, free range meat for the table.

The audience is encouraged to become part of the scene set by Simon as he illustrates how the team work together in a simulated day of ferreting which needs to be seen to be believed.  Appreciating the bond that unites the ferreter with his dog and ferrets along with their knowledge of the natural world and fieldcraft, enables them to become a part of nature as opposed to an intruder. Enthusiastic, energetic, amusing, educational and unforgettable all describe his commentary as he gets the audience to watch the ferreter work in tune with his animals.

The world is moving on, technology is changing our society, but it is refreshing to find Simon trying to not only make people realise and understand why we ferret but, more importantly, get newcomers into the countryside to continue such a fine tradition. Pakefield Ferrets’ display educates the wider community to this traditional craft that has survived the growth in technology, showing why their motto of “Ensuring the tradition of ferreting IS continued for further generations” is long remembered after the show has closed.

Two x 30 minutes arena demonstrations each day.