Council warns Guy Ritchie's estate over bird flu rules

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 12:04 · Archive

Wiltshire Council wrote to Guy Ritchie's Ashcombe Estate in March over avian flu compliance after a covert investigation.

Wiltshire Council wrote to Guy Ritchie's Ashcombe Estate in March following an undercover investigation into the property's compliance with bird flu regulations. The 1,100-acre estate, which Ritchie purchased for £9 million in 2001, operates as a commercial shoot where guests pay thousands of pounds daily to participate.

The Green Britain Foundation, run by Dale Vince, conducted the investigation using hidden cameras to monitor gamekeepers' activities on the estate. The foundation alleged that the estate was 'ignoring' bird flu rules that had been introduced the previous November.

Following the investigation, which was reported by The Times, Wiltshire Council sent a letter to Ashcombe Estates on 5 March 2026. The council said the letter aimed to "help support good standards of animal care and reduce the risk of disease spread." Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, confirmed the council provided advice relating to avian influenza requirements and gamebird welfare.

The investigation brought renewed attention to biosecurity practices on shooting estates during a period of heightened concern over avian flu transmission. The covert footage formed the basis of the council's decision to issue guidance to the estate on government regulations and requirements.

Council warns Guy Ritchie's estate over bird flu rules — Image: Salisbury Journal

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How it is being reported

Council writes to Guy Ritchie’s estate after undercover investigationWiltshire Council advised Guy Ritchie’s Ashcombe Estate on bird flu rules and gamebird welfare after Green Britain Foundation covert footage claims.Salisbury Journal · 2 Nov, 11:20
Guy Ritchie's £9 million estate hit with warning after undercover investigationThe council has written to a film director’s shooting estate after an investigation that saw hidden cameras follow gamekeepers’ activities.Gazette & Herald · 2 Nov, 05:00
Guy Ritchie's £9 million estate hit with warning after undercover investigationThe council has written to a film director’s shooting estate after an investigation that saw hidden cameras follow gamekeepers’ activities.Wiltshire Times · 2 Nov, 05:00

In this story: Guy Ritchie · Ashcombe Estate · Green Britain Foundation · Dale Vince · Wiltshire Council · Wiltshire-Dorset border

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