On this course:

Getting started:  Practical things to consider when you first become a smallholder.  Legislation, CPH numbers, movement licences, ear tags - all the legal bits you need to know before your first animal arrives.

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Buildings, Fencing and Equipment: We'll look at suitable buildings for livestock and other purposes, how to make the most of the buildings already on your holding, and how to build your own, whilst keeping the budget under control.

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Chickens: A look at our free range chickens - suitable housing, fox proofing, feeding, worming, dealing with common problems.

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Sheep: Meet our Black Welsh Mountain flock and get some practical handling experience. We will discuss different breeds, grazing and feeding, vaccinations & worming, avoiding common illnesses, and get hands-on with some routine handling and healthcare tasks.

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Pigs: Our free range Oxford Sandy & Black pigs will be delighted to introduce you to the joys of keeping pigs.  We will look at suitable housing and fencing, feeding, handling and loading pigs for transport, and routine healthcare.

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Cattle: Meet our small herd of Shetland Cattle.  Keeping and handling cattle safely, and the facilities required.  Winter feeding and housing.

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Grassland: A walk around the farm to look at our rotational grazing system - how to grow and use more grass. Making hay and silage.  Fencing, hedges and maintenance.

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The Vegetable Garden and Orchard: See our raised bed system, polytunnel and greenhouse.  Crop rotations and making compost.

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Produce from the Smallholding: Producing your own meat - preparation for the trip to the abattoir, and what cuts you might want to ask for.  A quick look at marketing and selling your produce, and the legal requirements.

We'll show you some of the other delights your smallholding could produce too - willow baskets, handmade wool rugs, sheepskins....

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What else is Included?

A homecooked lunch, including some of the delicious produce straight from our smallholding.   There will also be plenty of tea/coffee and

homebaking.

All courses include a comprehensive book, covering all of the information taught during the day.

Courses are held in small groups (max 10 people on this course), and are relaxed, friendly events.  Questions and discussion are encouraged!

Many people stay in touch following the course, and we are very happy to answer any further questions you might have after the day.