Can you do archery in your garden in the UK? How to set up a safe range

Short answer: yes. No UK law bans archery in your own private garden. But you are responsible for every arrow you shoot, so an arrow must never be able to leave your garden. With the right spot, a proper backstop and a few simple rules, a back garden makes a great place to practise. Here's how to set up a safe range in an afternoon.

What the rules actually say

Archery isn't licensed in the UK, and you don't need permission to shoot in your own garden. What matters is the outcome: if an arrow damages property, hurts someone or lands next door, you're responsible. Neighbours can also complain if your shooting becomes a nuisance.

Before your first session, check three things:

• Your tenancy or lease. If you rent, make sure your agreement doesn't rule it out.
• Your insurance. Most home policies don't mention archery. Ask your insurer, or look at specialist public liability cover.
• Who's around. Shooting in a garden overlooked by a public footpath or a busy road isn't a good idea, however good your backstop is.

This guide gives general safety advice, not legal advice.

How much space do you need?

Add at least 2 to 3 metres of clear space behind the target, and a metre or two either side. A typical British back garden of 10 to 15 metres is enough to start.

Step 1: pick the right direction

This is the most important decision you'll make. Shoot towards something solid that nobody can walk behind:

• Good: a solid brick wall, the back of a shed or garage, a high solid fence with nothing behind it but your own garden.
• Never: towards your house, a window, a gate, a side passage, a road, a footpath, or a neighbour's garden over a low fence.

Shoot slightly downwards rather than up, so a miss goes into the ground, not over the fence.

Step 2: set up a backstop

Even good archers miss the target. A backstop catches those arrows before they hit a wall or a fence.

• Hang archery netting, an old thick carpet or a heavy horse rug behind the target, with a gap of 30 cm or more between the two. It should hang loose, so arrows lose their speed instead of bouncing back.
• Make it wider and taller than the target: at least a metre extra on each side and above.
• Check it before every session. A worn backstop is no backstop.

Step 3: set up your target

• Use a proper foam archery target. Never shoot at hay bales held together with wire, cardboard boxes, or anything hard.
• Put the centre of the target at roughly chest height on a stable stand, so it can't topple when the arrows hit.
• Bring it indoors or cover it after each session. A waterlogged target stops arrows less well.

Step 4: agree the house rules

Every archery club in the country uses a version of these. Make them yours:

1. One shooting line. Everyone who isn't shooting stays behind the archer.
2. Only put an arrow on the string when the range is clear and you're facing the target.
3. Anyone can shout "Fast!" If you hear it, stop, let the string down slowly and wait.
4. Collect together. Everyone shoots, everyone puts their bow down, then everyone walks (never runs) to the target.
5. Pull arrows carefully. Stand to the side of the target, put one hand flat on the target and pull the arrow straight out.
6. Never dry-fire. Releasing the string without an arrow can damage the bow and hurt you.
7. Pets and small children inside, or well away from the range, with the gate closed.

Step 5: talk to your neighbours

A quick chat over the fence saves a lot of trouble. Tell them what you're doing, show them your backstop, and shoot at sensible times. A foam target makes a soft thud, not much more. Most people are curious, and some will ask to have a go.

Your 2-minute safety check

• Is the backstop in place and in good condition?
• Is nobody behind, beside or in front of the target?
• Are pets and children indoors, and the gate closed?
• Are the bow, string and arrows in good condition, with no cracks and no damaged nocks?
• Are you wearing your arm guard and finger tab?

Short on space? Start with a junior kit or come indoors

For children aged 6 to 12, or for small spaces, the First Draw Junior Kit shoots soft suction-cup arrows at a matching target. It works in a small garden, and even in the living room on a rainy day.

Ready to set up your range?

The First Draw Starter Kit comes with a 20 or 30 lb takedown recurve, 12 arrows, a foam target, an arm guard, a finger tab set and a setup video. It's everything you need for your first session at the bottom of the garden. Not sure about the draw weight? Read What draw weight should a beginner use?

See the First Draw Starter Kit