There’s something quietly electric about archery in Surrey. Step into one of its ancient woodlands and you’ll hear it: the soft crunch of leaves underfoot, the whisper of a drawn bowstring, the satisfying thunk of arrow meeting target. It feels less like sport and more like stepping into a living storybook.
The Crown Jewel of Field Archery: Company of Sixty
Surrey has long been a haven for archers. With around 20 affiliated clubs across the county, there’s a thriving community supporting everyone from curious beginners to seasoned bow veterans. But among these, one club stands tall like an oak in Sherwood Forest lore…
Tucked into the woodland near Leatherhead, Company of Sixty has earned a reputation as the place for field archery in Surrey. Founded in 1973 by a group of traditional archers, the club was built on a simple but enduring mission: to celebrate field archery in its most natural form while protecting the woodland environment that makes it so special.
Field archery itself is a different beast from target shooting. Instead of flat ranges and predictable distances, archers navigate winding woodland courses, aiming at 3D animal targets placed at varying, often unmarked ranges. It’s part sport, part puzzle, part woodland adventure.
And this is where Company of Sixty truly shines.
Their facilities are a dreamscape for archers:
- Expansive woodland courses that twist and turn like a natural obstacle course
- Dozens of 3D targets offering varied and realistic challenges
- Multiple courses open during events, sometimes exceeding 90 targets in total
- Regular shoots, competitions, and social events that bring the community together
Add to that a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere and a deep-rooted connection to the National Field Archery Society, and you’ve got a club that balances heritage with accessibility beautifully.
In short, it’s not just a place to shoot arrows. It’s a place to belong.
A Community Woven Through the Trees
Archery clubs live or die by their people, and Company of Sixty thrives because of its vibrant membership. Among them are the Wildwood Rangers, a group whose very name sounds like it was plucked from a medieval ballad. Their presence adds to the club’s character, reinforcing its identity as a gathering place for archers who value skill, camaraderie, and a shared love of the outdoors.
Here, experience levels blur. Beginners learn from veterans, competitors swap stories over post-shoot refreshments, and everyone shares in the quiet triumph of a well-placed shot.
Why Surrey? Why Here?
Surrey’s rolling landscapes and protected green spaces make it ideal for field archery. The terrain offers natural variety, the woods provide atmosphere, and the county’s strong archery network ensures there’s always somewhere to shoot, learn, or compete.
But even in a county rich with options, Company of Sixty feels like the beating heart of the scene.
Final Arrow
If archery were a symphony, Surrey would be the orchestra. And Company of Sixty? That’s the conductor, quietly guiding every note.
Whether you’re chasing your first bullseye or refining a craft that borders on artistry, this club offers something rare: not just facilities, but a full-bodied experience. Woodland, tradition, challenge, and community, all wrapped around the simple elegance of bow and arrow.
And somewhere between the trees, with the Wildwood Rangers and fellow archers nearby, you might just find that the sport hits a little deeper than expected.