Thank you all very much for the info here.
It all sounds really possible, so next step is a chat with the potential adopters.
We have 5 lurchers ourselves; 1 collie/whippet, 1 Saluki/grey/whippet, 1 whippet/Parsons Russel & 2 Bull lurchers (mix of sighthounds with a little bit of a bull breed, commonly a staffie, for those who don’t know. Sadly a type often used for illegal stuff like badger baiting as the bull breed part gives them extra strength.)
Now, next question is.... do I need a boat?!?
We’re next to Norfolk, so the Broads are accessible.
(am mostly joking ?)