I also would suggest gun club or find someone who can mentor you. Also get yourself an air riffle - not for the foxes, but you can get used to using it, zeroing the scope and handling.
FAC form is a bit of a faff, but I got mine no problem (Scotland). - took about 6-8 weeks, they phoned my two references, then an officer came for a chat and to inspect my gun cabinet. Needed a small alteration, which I made and then I was good to go.
It seemed to help that I have my own land to shoot on, a FAC holder who I'd sat next to lampung previously and who said he'd show me the ropes and that I'd used air riffles for a few years.
I like most types of hunting that I've done, fishing too, it feels very fulfilling and instinctive even though I came to it late - in my 20's and grew up a bunny hugger.