This course is run by Simon Fairlie of Chapter 7, former co-editor of the Ecologist magazine, trustee of Tinker’s Bubble Community, and author of Low-impact Development.
Are you thinking of establishing a smallholding? Are you planning to live or build on your smallholding? Are you hoping to make a full-time or part-time living from it? If so, this course is designed to help you plan ahead and avoid the many pitfalls.

This is a weekend residential course. 8-10 October 2010

Contact LILI – taryn@lowimpact.org

Our Smallholding Survey course with Simon, Jyoti Fernandes and Rebecca Laughton offers a rare opportunity to visit various area smallholdings, all very different and all thriving on the land. We also offer limited short-term volunteer and WWOOFing places and are occasionally looking for new members. At Monkton, we believe strongly that the learning process never ends and that we all have valuable lessons to teach each other. We look forward to meeting you soon.

Monkton Wyld Court

nr Charmouth, Bridport, Dorset

01297 560342

info@monktonwyldcourt.org

View all listed courses from Monkton Wyld Court

]]> http://www.smallholdingcourses.co.uk/smallholders-courses-providers/monkton-wyld-court/feed/ 0 http://www.smallholdingcourses.co.uk/smallholding-courses-location/smallholding-courses-england/smallholding-courses-cornwall/south-yeo-farm-west/ http://www.smallholdingcourses.co.uk/smallholding-courses-location/smallholding-courses-england/smallholding-courses-cornwall/south-yeo-farm-west/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 06:20:58 +0000 South Yeo Farm West http://www.smallholdingcourses.co.uk/?p=1553

“It’s the best course I’ve ever been on – and I’ve been on a lot of courses.” EN, Devon

You’ve been  thinking about it for years, discussing it forever, and watching programmes like My Dream Farm and River Cottage with envy.  What you really want to do is leap out of your armchair, get your hands truly dirty, and decide once and for all if smallholding and increasing self-sufficiency is genuinely the life for you.  What could really make a difference is coming on a training day that gives you a real flavour of the life, and an understanding of what’s involved day to day.

“I must say again how much we loved spending time with you. It was a great weekend which we cant stop telling our friends about.” SM, Devon

So what we’ve done is create from scratch the kind of training we wish we’d had access to twenty years ago; practical, realistic, thoroughly informative, with answers to lots and lots of questions:

• Introduction to Smallholding: two day course
• Building and maintaining your own website – for farmers and smallholders: one day course
• Living with Livestock – an introduction to sheep, pigs and cattle: one day course
• Intermediate smallholding : two day course, a new course for 2011
• Apples and orchards: a new course for 2011
• Fencing for smallholders: new course for 2011

There’s no doubt about it – coming on one of our courses can transform your life – at least that’s what participants tell us:

“I can honestly say I am having a ball. It has given me a new lease of life.” AM, Bristol

“We were so enthused and inspired by our weekend with you both, that we have gone for an 11 acre smallholding!!” J+SH, Woking

“We… have sold our place and are moving to a 8 acre smallholding… 5 miles from the beach.” CH, Devon

“Our weekend in Devon confirmed for us that we really want to pursue our smallholding/self-sufficiency dream.” J&VH, London

“We feel so lucky to have found this course and meet such lovely hosts who are happy to share secrets of smallholding and are so down to earth”

Our courses are designed to be lively, interactive sessions, with lots of time spent outside experiencing it for real on the farm (rain or no rain), so that we combine theory with practice and send you away with a real sense of what you can do next.   And because this is a working farm, there won’t be courses during April – we’re too busy lambing.  We keep groups small – a maximum of eight for the smallholder and livestock days, and just four for the DIY website day – so that you get our full attention.  Sitting in the farmhouse kitchen munching our homegrown produce over lunch and tea is the ideal time for dealing with any questions that may not have been answered; recipes and preserving techniques are swapped, life’s dreams discussed, and we find that groups frequently exchange contact details to keep in touch.

It’s important that you know that we run our 108 acre farm ourselves, with only the occasional bit of contract help (for winter hedgelaying, bumping in lines of fence posts and summer shearing), so we do everything else, every day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.  As well as running the farm and the courses with Andrew, Debbie is also a professional trainer specialising in the arts sector and Andrew has delivered plenty of software training in his time. We’ve been doing this smallholding/farming-on-a-small-scale lark together for nearly two decades and before that worked in our spare time on a farm for a number of years, so have managed to gather quite a bit of knowledge along the way.

Do contact us on 01837 810569 or email debbie@smallholdertraining.co.uk

Our websites:  smallholder training and the farm

View all listed courses from South Yeo Farm West

Alpacas and Llama Courses

Alpacas and llamas are great companion animals and the desire to keep them is on the increase. Before you buy, get the knowledge you need to keep and care for these delightful animals.

Current Alpaca and Llama course listings

If you run Alpaca / Llama courses then promote them here at SmallholdingCourses.co.uk.

In the morning you will learn where they come from, how they live, what they eat, their health needs and how they breed.

You will look around the farm and see how we organise fences and shelters. You will view the herd and be shown the differences between huacayas and suris. I will also show you what to look for when choosing an alpaca.

After a lovely restaurant lunch eating local Umbrian products we will spend the afternoon handling the alpacas, understanding how to catch them, put on headcollars,taking them for a walk, trim their toenails…in fact all the basic care tasks!

Finally you will see the products made from alpacas fibre which is much sought after for fashion and home accessories.

DETAILS
Course leader: Hilary Shenton Zarza Alpacas BAS Judge Graduate of Alpaca Breeders Fibre School of Peru
Date: Saturday 9 October 2010
Time: 10am – 4pm
Fee: 60 euro per person / 100 euro per couple
Venue: Umbertide, Umbria, Italy
Information: Call or email Hilary Shenton 0039 320 822 7068 hilary@zarza-alpacas.com
Website: www.zarza-alpacas.com

The Empire Farm School was established in 2006 by Sally and Adrian Morgan. Sally and Adrian have been smallholders for more than 15 years. They moved from their 3 acre smallholding in Hampshire to  Somerset in 2004. The farm is now fullY organic and managed for rare breeds and wildlife.  Sally is passionate about the environment and sustainability. She is a leading children’s author, writing non-fiction books on environmental issues.   She set up the Farm School to help people gain the skills they need to make the first steps towards self-sufficiency.  The courses reflect her interest in rare breeds, sustainable farming and good food. The Farm School is lucky to have a team of brilliant tutors who are equally passionate about farming and food. Marc Frederic learnt his butchery and charcuterie skills in France and Germany. He has appeared on numerous TV and Radio shows, including Britain’s Best Dish, The Hairy Bikers, Radio 4’s The Food Programme and many others. Dan Green has a farm in Dorset and is a regular at farmer’s markets in London. Vivien Lloyd makes award-winning marmalade and Tim Hamblin is a local bee-keeper. There is a range of courses including keeping chickens and pigs, butchery, sausage-making, curing and smoking, and preserving. Unlike many other courses, Sally likes to cover the food chain, from field to plate, so people on the chicken courses  are shown how to slaughter, pluck and dress a chicken, while on the pig keeping course they learn how to make superb sausages. The courses take place in the newly renovated Coach House which has a butchery, teaching room with demonstration kitchen and a beautiful Walled Garden with kitchen garden, herb and cutting garden, pigs and chickens.  In the nearby fields are more pigs, poultry and sheep.  The Empire Farm is located in the picturesque Blackmore Valley, just south of Wincanton in Dorset. There is easy access from the A303 and A30, and within 6 minutes walk of a mainline station to London. Come and visit us soon !

View all listed courses from The Empire Farm School

A weekend of permaculture design with George Sobol 19^th, 20^th, 21^st November

The word permaculture derives from “permanent agriculture” and “permanent culture”. In practice it is sustainable land use design, based on an understanding of systems in nature and ethical principles. Permaculture design creates stable productive systems to provide food, shelter, energy and community in ways that are healthy for the environment and us.

This exciting and dynamic course will enable you to create a more sustainable lifestyle. It stresses working with nature and will help you identify steps for positive change for yourself, your family and your community.  It is ethical, creative and inspiring and gives a blueprint for our survival and the repair of our degraded planet.

Participants can attend this course as day visitors or enjoy a fully residential weekend.

Tuition costs £64

Food & accommodation costs: Non residential participants – £30 / Residential participants – £140

Concessions (low income): pay food & accommodations costs only (The WEA funds course fees for those on low income. Please see the website for more details).

For more information or to book please contact Zoe on 01297 631113 or zoe@trillfarm.co.uk.

Trill Farm, Musbury, Axminster, Devon, EX13 8TU. www.trillfarm.co.uk

George Sobol is a trainer and facilitator who has been managing and teaching permaculture courses since 1989. He is a founder member of the Permaculture Education Project and is widely recognised as one the UK’s most experienced permaculture teachers.

A workshop with Iain Tolhurt                    25th October

An interactive seminar (you will be expected to do some work!) taking an in-depth look at the problems and benefits of weeds, pests and diseases in your crops. The emphasis will be on the importance and practicalities of developing an all “systems approach” to management of natural systems to allow for positive control measures in conjunction with habitat enhancement.

Weeds, pest and disease are often considered in a wholly negative way, this seminar will encourage delegates to look beyond the negative at how working with nature can reap positive benefits. A greater understanding of natural systems will encourage growers to design appropriate growing systems to control any problems they may have.

The day will include presentations and workshops on cultivating positive health,why we have pests, the role of diseases, and how to interpret, control and benefit from weeds. We will also tour the farm looking at bio-diversity in action with opportunity to ask questions.

The day runs from 10am – 4pm and includes tea, coffee and a delicious organic lunch prepared from fresh farm produce.

Cost: £65 per person or £45 for commercial growers. Soil Association members £52.50.

For more information or to book, please contact Zoe on 01297 631113 or zoe@trillfarm.co.uk

Trill Farm, Musbury, Axminster, Devon, EX13 8TU. www.trillfarm.co.uk

Iain Tolhurst (IOTA accredited)

Iain Tolhurst is an independent organic horticulture consultant specialising in advice and training in horticultural business development and vegetable box schemes, with a specialisation in Stockfree Organic systems. He is a practicing organic vegetable producer on 18 acres and has been a Soil Association symbol holder since 1976. Iain’s advisory career began in 1984 as senior horticultural advisor with Elm Farm Research Centre. He works closely with a group of clients delivering on farm advice and specialises in a “systems approach” to deal with the problems of fertility, pests and diseases.
www.tolhurstorganic.co.uk

A workshop with Iain Tolhurst       23^rd August

An opportunity to learn more about using conservation management as a whole farm/garden/smallholding policy, not just bolting bits on but actually making conservation work for the health of your land and the environment. The aim is to improve the flora and fauna, improve your yields and reduce the need for inputs and energy use. The seminar is inter-active and you will be expected to do some work and participate in the workshop sessions.

The day will include discussions of your own land’s conservation and how it has to work for you; what you need, what you can realistically achieve and how to establish and look after it. There will be a workshop on what conservation features can you develop in your own space, and a farm walk to study conservation in action.

The day runs from 10am – 4pm and include tea, coffee and a delicious organic lunch prepared from fresh farm produce.

Cost: £65 per person or £45 for commercial growers. Soil Association members £52.50.

For more information or to book, please contact Zoe on 01297 631113 or zoe@trillfarm.co.uk.

Trill Farm, Musbury, Axmister, Devon, EX13 8TU. www.trillfarm.co.uk

Iain Tolhurst (IOTA accredited)

Iain Tolhurst is an independent organic horticulture consultant specialising in advice and training in horticultural business development and vegetable box schemes, with a specialisation in Stockfree Organic systems. He is a practicing organic vegetable producer on 18 acres and has been a Soil Association symbol holder since 1976. Iain’s advisory career began in 1984 as senior horticultural advisor with Elm Farm Research Centre. He works closely with a group of clients delivering on farm advice and specialises in a “systems approach” to deal with the problems of fertility, pests and diseases.
www.tolhurstorganic.co.uk

This is an ideal beginners course for those of you who are thinking about keeping a few chickens in your back garden for their eggs.

Our course covers:

• Choosing the right chickens for you, and how many you’ll need
• Housing
• Protecting your chickens
• Feeding
• Caring for your chickens
• Common problems and ailments

Our courses are very informal, friendly and informative. We were in the same position as you once and are happy to share our knowledge and experiences with you.

• Each course runs for around 2 hours
• £25.00 per adult
• £15.00 per child under 15
• £65.00 for a family of four
• Light refreshments included
• Sensible clothing and footwear essential

Courses are run regularly, usually Sunday mornings or Sunday afternoons from our own large garden in Martley, Worcestershire. Please contact us for availability and your own preferences.

Please note that prepayment will be requested to secure your booking. Thank you.

Contact:
Anita or Mark

Cob Barn

Home to five charming, 4* Gold award holiday cottages set in the beautiful Cornish countryside, Hendra Farm is a peaceful and relaxing destination offering a truly unique experience.

The Stables

Located in South East Cornwall, just 3 miles from the coast and beaches, our Cornish cottages boast stunning views across the countryside and are open all year round for holidays and short breaks – the award winning 4 star accommodation is perfect for couples, friends and solo travellers.

We want to share our passion for the rural lifestyle with our guests and now offer day and residential smallholding courses where we can impart our years of experience and knowledge – so come and join us in living the ‘good life’ on a working Cornish smallholding!

The Mowhay

The perfect location from which to explore Cornwall, the Farm is a few miles from the idyllic fishing village of Polperro and the popular seaside town of Looe. The south coast of Cornwall boasts picturesque fishing ports and miles of unspoiled beaches, as well as great walking and sightseeing opportunities along the South West Coastal Path, whilst inland the wilds of Bodmin moor offer a fantastic chance to explore Cornwall’s rich mining heritage. The area also boasts some of the best restaurants and undiscovered pubs in the entire South West, serving mouth watering local produce along with a great selection of local ales. And at the end of a long day exploring the region, why not come back to the Farm and relax in our luxury sauna and Jacuzzi facilities, or just sit and watch the comings and goings of the abundant wildlife that frequents the fields and hedgerows.

The Linhay

The Farm is a hive of activity and is home to numerous exotic creatures including rheas, alpacas and wallabies, as well as more traditional farm animals and three magnificent Shire horses. The animals are all extremely friendly, and the owner, Senara, is always delighted to show guests around the farm, let you meet the animals, and experience the ‘good life’ of a working Cornish smallholding!

We are open all year round.

The Old Dairy

Visit website

SmallholdingCourses.co.uk is now promoting Smallholding Experience Holidays! It’s a very new feature to the site but we expect it to grow, in a self-sufficiently manner, of course!

If you’re thinking about plunging into the world of running a smallholding then why not get a taster for it first?

Experience for yourself life on a smallholding by taking a holiday on one! Many smallholders and farmers are happy to share with holidaymakers the realities of working and living on a smallholding. Browse our Smallholding Experience Holidays and book yourself something that text books can’t give you:

Find a Smallholding Experience Holiday

Subscribe to our newsletter to be kept updated of when new Smallholding Experience Holidays are added to the site:

Subscribe to SmallholdingCourses by Email

If you are a smallholder or farmer with holiday accommodation, then come along to SmallholdingCourses.co.uk and promote your Smallholding Experience Holidays with us.

Come to the countryside & stay on a real farm.

Penyrallt Fach Cottage offers an opportunity to stay on fully working organic dairy farm in the beautiful Teifi Valley of Carmarthenshire, West Wales. See the cows being milked and the day-to-day running of a traditional family farm.

Sleeps 4 . Woodburning stove.

Only 30 minutes from the lovely beaches of Cardigan Bay.

Contact  Jinsy Robinson  fadog@tiscali.co.uk

Farm Blog; http://farmlifeinwales.blogspot.com

www.penyrallt.co.uk

Formerly an agricultural college tutor and on farm assessor with one of the country’s top land based colleges, a full scale mixed farmer, on farm advisor and self sufficiency lifestyle follower of almost 25 years I strongly believe it is imperative to receive high quality technically informed teaching delivery along with the more fun practical hands-on participation experience; it is vitally important that you learn the WHY of the teaching delivery you are receiving on a particular subject area or the livestock species you are learning about, WHAT will happen if you do follow the teaching delivery advice given and WHAT will or might happen if you don’t? Technically competent and informed teaching delivery is the basis for avoidance of the common, upsetting, costly and depressing mistakes frequently made by those new to the self sufficient lifestyle and to keeping livestock for production purposes compared to keeping pet or leisure animals. Regularly heard sayings like “all sheep want to do is die” are born out of ignorance of the species needs – the truth is that ignorant ‘Keepers’ are often responsible for killing them!

I have farmed and lived self sufficiently in both upland and lowland situations at 1200 feet above sea level on a wild and beautiful mountain in Wales where I looked down through the dawn cloud bank into the valley and was surrounded by 5,000 acres of harsh common land on which I ran sheep, cattle and mountain ponies, maintained and mustered by me from horse back. I grew oats for both the value of the grain to feed my stock and equally for the harvest of golden straw, such a precious commodity in a wild and untamed environment. Snowed in for days or even weeks at a time veterinary assistance was often not possible during the timings of lambing, foaling or calving and I grew ½ acre of vegetable plot to sustain annual needs, clamping for winter storage. Moving down from the mountains having secured the tenancy on a mixed arable and livestock farm I diversified into both pedigree terminal sire production (including producing for show at county level) and horse livery – cereals, oils, pulses and root cropping was based on the ‘traditional 4 year rotation’ but included 1 year rotational grass leys to compliment the permanent pastures and to produce high quality/volume hay for winter forage feeds.

Now I simply live the contented self sufficient lifestyle along a rural stretch of coast line in The East Riding of Yorkshire with a fully self sufficient vegetable/ kitchen garden, British Saddleback pigs, British Toggenburg dairy goats, Suffolk sheep and hens & bantams which along with a small orchard plus some seasonal hedgerow foraging for additional foodstuffs, supplies the food needs of my family. I make my own delicious, gristle free sausages, cure bacon and hams, make cheeses and other dairy products and bottle pickles, chutneys, jams, cordials as well as utilizing all available methods of preservation and storage for winter and out of season usage. Fruit wines are one of my favourites to make but sorry, there’s never a drop left to share with visitors as we always seem to have drunk the cellar dry! All courses are run from my own self sufficient smallholding home which means they have a very relaxed and informal feel even though you are taking on board some serious and technical learning – there is no such thing as a ’silly question’ to ask me, you can ask me anything without the risk of ridicule or embarrassment, after all, I’ve previously taught agriculture to teenagers! 

View all listed courses from Gardenfarming

Perhaps you have always dreamed of escaping the rat race and running your own smallholding or maybe you would just like a few colourful chickens laying fresh brown eggs in a pretty little hen house at the end of the garden.  Maybe you have always wanted to look out of your window and see newborn lambs grazing happily in a field outside or have wondered just what it takes to look after a hive of bees.

More and more people are becoming interested in where their food comes from and how it is treated.  Attitudes towards food and where it comes from have changed considerably, fuelled by rising prices and frequent food scares.

The easiest way to do this is to produce your own, but only if you know where to start…  We are here to help.  We start right from the basics—no knowledge is needed and all questions, however basic, are welcomed!  We will show you how you can participate in producing your own food and keeping your own livestock, even if you are working.

We run a wide range of courses run by our team of highly knowledgeable and approachable lecturers.

Courses include:

• Smallholder Taster Day - a chance to sample everything and find out what it takes to be a smallholder
• Complete Guide to Keeping Pigs
• Starting with Hens and Ducks
• Sheep for Beginners
• Bees for Beginners
• Bee Improvers
• Orchard Creation and Maintenance

Details of course dates can be found on www.mumbleysfarmhouse.co.uk/Dates.html

How We Got Started

Husband and wife team, Simon and Jules Moore, bought Mumbleys Farmhouse in 2001 and started with two overgrown fields, a pair of ducks and a couple of hens.

With our two sons, two dogs and two cats, we have built up a thriving smallholding of approx 12 acres, consisting of four small paddocks with a barn, a wildflower meadow with a pond teaming with bugs and beasties, a productive vegetable patch and a terraced garden full of flowers to attract butterflies and bees.  We have planted over 500 native trees and shrubs and put out boxes for bats, birds and hedgehogs.  We are part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, maintaining our land for the benefit of the environment , as well as for production.

We now keep a variety of chickens, including Orpingtons, Araucanas, Cream Legbar and our own hybrids; Runner and Silver Appleyard ducks; Honeybees; Grey Faced Dartmoor, Southdown and a few commercial sheep, Oxford Sandy & Black and Kune Kune pigs and Shetland Cattle..

When we first started, there were no courses and we learnt by experience and reading books (none of which the animals had read!).  We hope that by providing these courses, we will give you the confidence to take up this enjoyable and rewarding hobby and maybe even make a business of it!

We want you to learn everything you need to know; to start you off on a new and exciting life—living that dream of the ‘good life’.

You can contact us on 01454 415296 or jules@mumbleysfarmhouse.co.uk

View all listed courses from Mumbleys Farmhouse Produce

If you are looking for a taste of the ‘good life’ in the beautiful Cornish countryside then Hendra Farm is the place for you…

We operate a traditional smallholding set deep in the South East Cornwall countryside which is home to our magnificent Shire Horses, flocks of Jacob, Zwartble and Herdwick sheep, a herd of delightful and inquisitive alpaca, numerous breeds of chickens and ducks,  a  dog, several cats, two pairs of rheas and the new additions to the family, wallabies! We take great pride in the well-being and contentment of all our birds and animals, and the farm is known throughout the region for its reputation in breeding top class stock and for producing many successes in the show ring. We also run a thriving poultry business providing quality birds, and a first class service, to our customers across Devon and Cornwall.

Visit website

View all listed courses from Hendra Farm

The Southdowns at Mumbleys Farmhouse

Mumbleys Farmhouse is an 11 acre smallholding just outside Bristol.  We keep a wide range of native and rare breeds, including three types of sheep – commercial hybrids, Southdowns (in two colours!) and Grey Faced Dartmoors.  This gives the delegates on our courses a variety of types to consider and handle.  This one day course is designed to give you a complete introduction to keeping sheep, whether as pets, lawnmowers or fattening lambs.  We will also cover an introduction to breeding your own lambs and what is involved.

The Course: This is a combination of theory, demonstration and practice, with opportunities to participate at all levels.  If you wish to sign up with a particularly keen partner, but just want to look, that is fine!  There are plenty of jobs to occupy an Assistant Shepherd!

Part One – Choosing your Sheep: The different uses for sheep, a discussion of the various types and breeds, their different uses & merits and what you should consider in making your choice.

Part Two – Grazing & Feeding: Managing grassland for sheep – how much you will need, hedges, fencing and shelter and what to do in winter.

Part Three – Routine Management & Health: What needs doing on a daily, weekly & annual basis.  The Shepherd’s Calendar.  What equipment you need.  How to handle a sheep – demonstrations & practicals!

Part Four – Advanced Shepherding: A brief look at breeding and lambing and its requirements.

Equipment: Please wear warm, comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting messy and bring a waterproof coat and wellies or stout shoes.

Price: £90 per person (adults only), including refreshments & a home-cooked farmhouse lunch of local delicacies and our own produce.

Time: 10am– 4pm

Maximum No. of Students: 8

Location: Mumbleys Farmhouse, Sweetwater Lane, Mumbleys, South Glos BS35 3JY.

Tel: 01454 415296

To book online, go to www.mumbleysfarmhouse.co.uk/payment.html

Who would benefit from this course? This course is for smallholders with some experience of looking after land and livestock who may be feeling in need of a refresher or are thinking of scaling up in some way; this might include starting to breed your own stock, increasing the numbers or varieties of stock you keep, or adding to the amount of land you manage and wanting to make the best of it. Anyone who’s been on our Introduction to Smallholding course and wants to know more will also find these two days a good next step.

Course content: an update on current legal and statutory requirements and available grants; making your handling facilities work better for you; land management and layout; is it time for a tractor; a look at the costs of breeding your own livestock; breeding your own poultry/waterfowl, sheep and pigs. We always allow time to answer a raft of questions and aim to leave you feeling confident in making your next smallholding decisions. If you have anything specific you want to cover we will do our best to accommodate it.
Who are we? Debbie Kingsley and Andrew Hubbard have lived at South Yeo Farm West on the fringes of Dartmoor since 2005.  They run the farm themselves, and raise native and rare sheep, pigs and waterfowl.  Debbie is also a professional trainer specialising in the arts sector and writes a regular column in The Landsman on life in the country, and Andrew now works full time on the farm having spent many years developing software. They have been smallholding/farming-on-a-small-scale together for nearly two decades and before that worked in their spare time on a farm for a number of years

Day one:

• 10.00 Introductions. What smallholding activity are you doing at the moment and what more do you want to achieve on your smallholding?
• Legislation and grants: a refresher on what’s new and what it means for you
• Making your handling facilities work for you: sheep, pigs and poultry/waterfowl
• Lunch
• Land management and layout: grass management, drainage, soils, wildlife habitats, making sure the layout works for you
• Cream tea and Q+A – picking up on all those questions you really want answers to
• 4.45 Finish for the day

Day two:

• 9.30 arrival, coffee/tea, picking up on any outstanding questions from day one
• Is it time for a tractor?
• Costings for rearing and breeding livestock
• Breeding your own poultry and waterfowl: incubation and rearing
• Lunch
• Breeding and rearing sheep
• Breeding and rearing pigs
• Cream tea and Q+A
• 4.45 Feedback and finish

This course is limited to eight people. Do bring: outdoor clothes, clean wellies, waterproofs and probably a change of clothes if it looks like rain.

Cost: £150 per person including homemade lunch, Devon cream tea and refreshments on both days. There is a 10% discount for two or more people booking together for the same course (e.g. £270 for two, £405 for three people etc).

Dates:
Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd July 2011
Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th November 2011

Booking: Booking is simple. Just send us your name, address, phone number and email address indicating which course you want to book with your preferred date, and we’ll send you an invoice (payment is required in advance), directions to the farm and any other information you might need. And don’t forget to tell us if you have any dietary restrictions.

Full details on our website here or contact Debbie on 01837 810569 or debbie@smallholdertraining.co.uk

This is a combination of theory, demonstration and practice, with opportunities to participate at all levels. If you wish to sign up with a particularly keen partner, but just want to look, that is fine! There are plenty of jobs to occupy an Assistant Herdsperson!

Part Two – Choosing your Pigs: What to look for when you choose a pig, including breed selection and handling techniques. How to load a pig onto a trailer and transport rules.

Part Four – Breeding: Here we look at how to select a boar, heat detection, mating, AI and gestation.

Maximum No. of Students:8

LILI is a non-profit organisation promoting practical ways you can reduce your impact on the environment, learn new skills, save money and have fun. Contact us to find out more about our residential weekend courses, manuals and books, factsheets, and online shop.

View all listed courses from LILI

The basics of off-grid solar electrics. See www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk for details and booking.

A look at permaculture ideas and how to apply them. See www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk for full details and booking.

Hands-on courses in an old apple orchard. A two-day course. See: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk for details.

A seasonal celebration in and around the orchards at Stanmer Park

Find out more about apples in the orchards at Stanmer at this free event. Apple crumble and teas, juice making, childrens activities, apple identification, guided tours, produce for sale and much more. Admission free, no need to book, just come along.

www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk for details.

EasTec is a Lantra registered training provider that offers both practical and legislative training at competitive prices.

We operate out of mid-Norfolk but our Instructors/Tutors are willing to travel to other areas if the venue is suitable and sufficient numbers are interested.

As well as the courses advertised on the Smallholders website we offer Forklift, ATV, Mowers, Brushcutter and Chainsaw training.

For more details of training courses available please ring Jane on 07899685472 or visit www.eastec.co.uk

View all listed courses from EasTec

That’s how our last Living with Livestock day was described, a day dedicated to introducing you to sheep, pigs and cattle.  Our next Living with Livestock day is 18th September 2010.  Having livestock is a big responsibility and ensuring sound animal welfare is a must for all smallholders. This course gives you the opportunity to consider what it really means to have sheep, pigs and cows. You will split your day between two neighbouring farms, getting to grips with the pleasures and pains of all three species, so that you end the day with a clearer idea of what animal and breed might best suit you and your land. For more info you can check out our website: Living with Livestock

“I must say again how much we loved spending time with you. It was a great weekend which we cant stop telling our friends about.” SM, Devon

For those of you who want to go further into the detail, our weekend  Introduction to Smallholding course may just be what you’re looking for.  We have just 2 places left on our 11/12 September date (and the course will also be run 16/17 October and 6/7 November in 2010). Full details are on our website: Introduction to Smallholding

There’s no doubt about it – coming on one of our courses can transform your life – at least that’s what participants tell us:

“I can honestly say I am having a ball. It has given me a new lease of life.” AM, Bristol

“We were so enthused and inspired by our weekend with you both, that we have gone for an 11 acre smallholding!!” J+SH, Woking

“We… have sold our place and are moving to a 8 acre smallholding… 5 miles from the beach.” CH, Devon

“Our weekend in Devon confirmed for us that we really want to pursue our smallholding/self-sufficiency dream.” J&VH, London

“We feel so lucky to have found this course and meet such lovely hosts who are happy to share secrets of smallholding and are so down to earth”

Do contact us on 01837 810569 or email debbie@smallholdertraining.co.uk. The website is here

Smallholding Courses that are Running throughout July 2010

WebsiteWriters.co.uk are offering to create a 4 page website FREE OF CHARGE.

Please visit us at WebsiteWriters.co.uk for more information.

See website for details and booking:  www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

This course explores how permaculture design can be used to create beautiful, productive and wildlife-friendly gardens.

See website for full details and booking: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

For full details and booking see: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

This course looks at how we can design human ‘eco-systems’; working collaboratively with one another to care for the planet and ourselves. Building sustainable communities is a hands-on course – we get outside to learn. Includes visits to:

• Ben Law’s working woodland?
• ‘green’ buildings?
• permaculture and organic gardens?
• sustainability projects in the Brighton & Hove area

Willow Basketry Course

Spend a weekend on a Welsh organic farm learning to make willow baskets.

Cottage accommodation or camping.

Cost £240 includes; cottage accommodation, meals (organic & local produce), & materials.

Limited number of places.

For further details contact Jinsy Robinson

01559 3870341

fadog@tiscali.co.uk

www.penyrallt.co.uk

http://farmlifeinwales.blogspot.com

As part of our Pest Control series EasTec are offering a Rodent course  at The Norfolk, Golf & Country Club, Reymerston, Norwich, NR9 4QQ on the 20th October 2010.  The course is designed to raise the technical skills level of all those managing  land and buildings that are affected by vermin infestation and who wish to undertake pest control in order to improve their business efficiency.  Dealing with pests effectively requires knowledge and skill and because many of the treatments involve the use of poisonous substances it is essential that pest control is carried out by people who have received proper training.  The training includes both classroom theory and practical demonstration and the candidate will receive a Certificate of Attendance and the necessary documentation required to purchase the control agents from the wholesaler.

The cost of the training is £95 which includes lunch.  If you require any further information please ring Jane on 07899685472.

We are running a course at Beech Hayes (Devon/Somerset Border) on 17th July which covers all elements of poultry rearing right through to plucking and drawing a bird.

Whether you are a smallholder, farmer or just want to get your hands dirty this is a fantastic course that covers everything from conception to consumption will be of real benefit to you to practise before you are left trying to get those turkeys ready for the Christmas table in a rush!!

A hot meal and tea and coffee are provided and the day runs officially from 10 – 4 but invariably overruns.

Full notes to take away are provided too and we can also help arrange local B&B for those coming a distance. Cost will be £50 for the day plus you get to take your work home with you in the form of your dressed and prepared bird. We also stock turkeys, geese, chickens and ducks should you wish to buy your birds from us.

To book, please email beechhayes@aol.com . There are only 10 places available so book now to avoid disappointment. A booking deposit of £15 is required and group discounts are negotiable.

This session is designed as an introduction to keeping chickens and will give you the opportunity to ask your own questions.

* See an Omlet eglu and find out how it works
* Handle some chickens
* Eggs and laying
* Daily care requirements
* Learn how to pick a suitable garden spot
* Daily care and maintenance requirements
* How to feed your chickens
* Health and wellbeing and observation of looks and behaviour
* Wing clipping
* Common Health Supplements
* Receive your Chicken Keeping Book (one per household)
have a chance to ask as many questions as you want over a cuppa and a slice of cake.

Next Course: 18th June 2010 19.00-20.30
Contact Name: Claire Peach
Peaches Farm
Greaves Cottage
Greaves Lane, Hanbury
Burton on Trent
Staffordshire
DE13 8TQ
UK
Telephone: 01283820771
Mobile: 07769711468
Website

Hampshire sow with new born litter

Next available date – Saturday 24th of July

A full day spent on the farm aimed at giving people the confidence to handle pigs and the opportunity to learn about successful ways of keeping pigs. This is a very practical course run by two experienced pig keepers, John Sutcliffe and Carole Barr, who both successfully breed pedigree pigs for the showfield and the butcher.

John’s Coal Yeat Herd of British Saddlebacks is one of the largest in the country containing 10 different female lines and 6 different boar lines. These traditional pigs are supplied weekly to local butchers.

Carole’s Ashghyll Herd of British Lops are the only traditional breed still on the endangered list with the Rare Breed Survival Trust. This old fashioned breed is complimented by Hampshires, a modern breed of pig, kept by a relatively small number of breeders in this country.

Set in the beautiful location of the Lake District this course is a fun, hands on pig keeping course for complete beginners and those wishing to expand their knowledge.

Main topics covered will be:

The dates for 2010 are:

Saturday 24^th July
Saturday 21^st August
Saturday 25^th September
Saturday 16^th October
Saturday 20^th November

For more information and a booking form please go to www.pigkeepingcourses.co.uk

Contact John 07887731552 Contact Carole 015394 41088

]]> http://www.smallholdingcourses.co.uk/find-a-smallholding-course/pigkeeping-courses/pigkeeping-courses-lakedistrict/feed/ 0 http://www.smallholdingcourses.co.uk/find-a-smallholding-course/beekeeping-courses/natural-beekeeping/ http://www.smallholdingcourses.co.uk/find-a-smallholding-course/beekeeping-courses/natural-beekeeping/#comments Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:21:05 +0000 Natural Beekeeping Trust http://www.smallholdingcourses.co.uk/?p=1659 Where: Old Plaw Hatch Farm, Sharpthorne, West Sussex, RH19 4JL

When: 11 Sep 2010 to 12 Sep 2010 – From 9.30-17.00

Bee Garden of the Natural Beekeeping Trust in Sussex

Event Information

The aim of this two-day course is to give individuals sufficient knowledge and confidence to start natural beekeeping with a colony of their own. The course will start with an introduction to the principles of biodynamic farming and husbandry.  Morning sessions will be classroom-based covering the history of beekeeping, the life and nature of a bee colony, promoting good health and managing ill health, planting for bees, how to work with the swarming impulse, catching and hiving swarms, siting beehives and preparing colonies for winter. Throughout the course natural bee activity will be linked to the Natural Beekeeping Trust Guidelines and Demeter beekeeping standards. The afternoon activity will be more practical (weather permitting). Participants will approach colonies in an apiary and be taught how to observe bee activity and judge the colony mood.   Students will analyze activity at hive entrances, and through windows in hive boxes, in order to deduce the condition and status of the colony. Students will explore how the fundamental needs of colonies can be accommodated in the Warré hive as well as other modern hives in use today. Any bee-appropriate manipulation of hives likely to be needed throughout the season will be explained or demonstrated. Essential beekeeping equipment, relevant literature and other practical considerations such as forage through the seasons, relations with neighbours, dealing with stings etc. will be discussed when appropriate. The course is suited for beginners as well as existing beekeepers wishing to adopt a holistic approach to caring for bees. Students enrolling for this course are encouraged to send any specific questions and concerns in writing, together with their application details, and we shall do our best to meet these during the course. To reserve a place please contact Anne@naturalbeekeepingtrust.org or telephone Anne Damerell on 01342-823324

The popular day is led by Sally Morgan. A typical day starts with an introductory talk, followed by a tour of the poultry pens and an introduction to the different breeds that we keep at The Empire Farm. We have deliberately stocked a variety of different breeds of both laying and meat chickens, ducks and geese, so we will can discuss the pros and cons of each. We have also set up a variety of pens, from small self-contained ones that would suit a garden, to larger sheds with netted runs suitable for small commercial use.

Topics cover all aspects of poultry keeping, including:

• breeds of chickens, ducks and geese, and the characteristics, pros and cons of each
• raising chickens, ducklings and goslings for meat or eggs
• housing and paddocks, rotations
• feeding
• welfare issues
• disease
• predator control
• legal aspects
• buying stock
• breeding
• the pros and cons of incubators and broody hens
• organic poultry keeping
• slaughtering, plucking and preparation of the carcass

During the afternoon, we will demonstrate chicken slaughter and plucking, and then everyone can have a go at eviscerating a chicken to take home and eat.

If you are already an experienced chicken keeper but would like to learn about the slaughter and preparation of table birds, you can come along for just the afternoon session. If you don’t want to learn about slaughter and dressing chickens, you can come for just the morning. Cost for a full day course is £75,  half day course is £40 .

CONTACT INFORMATION

Next Course: 10 July
Contact Name: Sally Morgan
Empire Farm
Throop Rd
Templecombe
Somerset
BA80HR
UK
Telephone: 01963371681

Website

This opportunity is ideal for those of you living rurally and wanting to work from home.

If you enjoy reading and have a good command of the English language then you can easily set yourself up as a freelance proofreader working from the home with the help of FreelanceProofreader.co.uk.

Subscribing to the FreelanceProofreader.co.uk Proofreading Workshop gives you the ideal opportunity to see if freelance proofreading is for you, without costing a fortune – just £9.99!

Visit FreelanceProofreader.co.uk for more information.

What do you do with your glut of raspberries? Pop them in the freezer? If you want to find out how you can make a selection of different preserves using raspberries, you need to come of this afternoon course. Vivien Lloyd will show you how to make the perfect raspberry jam and jelly, vinegar and gin. Soon you will be wishing you had kilos of raspberries to hand.

The afternoon costs just £40 per person,discounts if 2 or more book together people.

Weeeknd course 3rd & 4th July 10-4 at Pentiddy, Pensilva East Cornwall. We will teach you to make wattles and a mud mix to plaster them with.

Bring lunch to share.

Listen, can you hear the swish, the sound of steel upon swathe; reapers rhythmically moving through the landscape in the shimmering summer heat; mowers, men, women working together, synchronized – scything wheat, barley, corn and grass; a common sight in the 18th century and the novels of Thomas Hardy. An image you would think is lost to our generation, or maybe not ….

On Sunday June 13th 2010 the Green Scythe Fair is being held at Thorney Lakes, Muchelney near Langport in Somerset. This event incorporates the 6th West Country Scythe Competition which serves as the national championship and the organiser Simon Fairlie is looking for competitors. This is the most ecological way of cutting grassland and promoting biodiversity.

And this is not just an event for the men. Before mechanisation women played an equal part in gathering in the harvest, using sickles as English scythes were heavy and cumbersome. Today’s lighter and more ergonomic Austrian scythes allow women to participate.

On Saturday 12th June there will lessons for beginners and improvers, in all aspects of scything from a variety of experts including Christiane Lechner visiting from Austria. The competition heats begin in earnest on Sunday morning at 11 am and will continue until the 2010 champions are found. Last year’s men’s winner, for the third year in a row, was Simon Damant from Cambridgeshire who set a new UK record mowing 5m x 5m in 70 seconds. Last year’s women’s champion was Mary Durling with a time of 3 minutes 28 seconds.

Prospective entrants should contact Simon Fairlie on 01297 561359 or email: chapter7@tlio.org.uk. Weekend camping is available for competitors and visitors at Thorney Lakes.

As 2010 has been designated Biodiversity Year by the UN, this year’s topic is Land Use: Fuel, Food or Flood. There will be lively debate commencing at midday between leading experts and an opportunity at the end for questions from the floor. This year’s speakers will be Peter Harper: lifelong environmentalist, leading expert on biofuels and founding member of the Centre for Alternative Technology: Dr Mark Fisher, advocate of forest gardens, biodiversity, wild land and renowned consultant permaculturalist and last but not least, Tara Garnett, research fellow at the University of Surrey’s Centre for Environmental Strategy and chair of the Food Climate Research Network.

The Green Scythe Fair is a fabulous event for the whole family whether you are there just for the day or decide to camp for the whole weekend. As well as circus skills and puppet shows, the Greenkidz area has a range of craft workshops for children using natural materials: chalk stone carving, knitting, weaving, clay Zen landscapes, willow sculpture and a pedal powered smoothie maker! There will be stalls selling everything from eco-clothing and vintage bric-a-brac to organic food, plants, seeds and local crafts. Some of the best craftsmen in Somerset will demonstrate their green woodwork, thatching, blacksmithing and lime-plastering skills. Experts will be on hand to discuss sustainable energy and building. The solar and wind powered Green Energy Trailer will supply a 1000 watts of green electricity for the music tent, featuring amongst others, The Dolmen, Ship of Fools, Bag of Rats and Diz Watson.

So come and sit in the Green Info Café, sip a Fairtrade cappuccino and browse through the environmental literature on display. Or discuss how to save the planet whilst enjoying a pint or two of cider or local real ale! Whatever your choice prepare yourself for a fantastic day out on the Somerset Levels. Entrance: £5 for adults – accompanied children go free – dogs on leads 11am – 11pm No entry after 7pm.

If you fancy becoming a scyther go to www.thescytheshop.co.uk/festival.html or you just want come along see www.greenfair.org.uk. Weekend camping is available for competitors and visitors at Thorney Lakes go to www.thorneylakes.co.uk or call 01458 250811 For more pictures from previous years go to www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2005/04/28/scythe_feature.shtml and scroll down to click through our photo gallery.

The next training dates are the 1st  and 6th September 2010.  The cost of the training is £355 which includes NPTC Assessment fees and lunch on both days.

If you are interested in registering your interest in this training please ring Jane on 07899685472 or visit www.eastec.co.uk. 

PA1/PA2 packages and PA4s training is also available.

David Ottley a Livestock Consultant from the Blue Welly Farm will be running a Backyard Poultry Keeping course at Barnham Broom Village Hall on the 30th October 2010 from 9am – 12.30pm.  The course will cover, suitable breeds, housing and feeding.  There will also be an opportunity to ask David for advice on any problems you may have already encountered!  The cost of the course is £30 which includes refreshments.

If you would like to book a place on this course please ring Jane on 07899685472

• BEE KEEPING COURSES
  <a title=”Bee Keeping Courses” href=”http://www.smallholdingcourses.co.uk/category/find-a-smallholding-course/beekeeping-courses/”>Bee Keeping Courses</a>

• SMALLHOLDINGCOURSES.CO.UK
  <a title=”Smallholding Courses” href=”http://www.smallholdingcourses.co.uk/”>SmallholdingCourses.co.uk</a>

This course is designed for people who want hands on experience of pigs, starting with pigs, are considering keeping pigs or for the novice pig keeper who needs some friendly support and back up.

Let us use our 20+ years experience to show you everything you need to know to set up your own piggy enterprise, watch your pigs thrive and learn how to handle them safely and without stress (pigs and you).  Only by experiencing pigs and piglets close up can you decide if they are for you or not.

The course will be a mix of discussion and lots of outdoor practice and runs from 9:30 until 4.30pm. Classes are restricted to 8 people so everyone gets plenty of hands on time and the opportunity to ask questions. The course covers all aspects of husbandry, keeping your herd healthy, bio-security, BPA and Defra rules/regulations, purchasing stock, identification of pedigree and non-predigree stock, marketing and advertising your excess stock, what to do when the time comes…. plus lots more including an introduction to stick and boarding. Full course details are on our website. www.tedfoldcottagefarm.co.uk

The cost of each course is £99 pp (£190 for a couple booking) and includes a colour course manual with room for notes, all refreshments, a light lunch and full continuing, friendly support if / when you decide to keep pigs. Absolutely NO hidden extras:)

Feel free to contact us for more information (with no obligation) via this site, via our website or call 07917890101

One day pig keeping course on Kent/East Sussex border. Practical, friendly and hands-on course. Designed to take the novice through all aspects of setting up the environment, feeding, veterinary, regulations through to what to do with the end product. During the outdoor sessions you will meet our 40+ sows of a variety of different breeds, our breeding boars and there are always a number of mums and piglets to visit. Course includes a comprehensive manual to take away. This is our 4th sucessful year of courses with 100’s of satisfied customers. For more information visit our website at www.oaklandspigs.co.uk or phone 01892 852663 Dates still available 15th aug, 18th sept, 19th sept £100 single or £190 per couple

David Ottley, a Livestock Consultant from The Blue Welly Farm runs courses on Keeping Pigs at Barnham Broom Village Hall or at any other suitable venue subject to interest.  The course covers suitable breeds, housing, feeding and breeding.  David also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any problems you may have already encountered!

The course is running from 1pm until 4.30pm on the 30th October 2010 at Barnahm Broom Village Hall and costs  £30 which includes refreshments.

If you would like to book a place please ring Jane on 07899685472.

A hot meal and tea and coffee are provided and the day runs officially from 10 – 4 but invariably overruns.

Full notes to take away are provided too and we can also help arrange local B&B for those coming a distance.  Cost will be £50 for the day.

To book, please email beechhayes@aol.com . There are only 10 places available so book now to avoid disappointment.  A booking deposit of £15 is required and group discounts are negotiable.

Of course the course will have a permaculture approach and will look out producing these delicacies locally and sustainably.

For full details and contact information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

Leader’s Introduction:

Beginners often imagine that a two day scything course is a bit excessive, just to learn how to use a garden tool; and that is true if all you want to do is knock down weeds. But anyone who wants to mow grass on any scale will benefit from a two day course, and people who do them come away saying: “I don’t know how you could cram all that into one day”.

Two days gives you enough time to prepare your own blade (rather than use the Blue Peter blades that I prepare in advance for the one-day course); you get more time to practice different peening methods; and I also demonstrate how to make and stack a hay rack, which enables you to make hay even in changeable weather.

The course covers
• history and sociology of the scythe, in the UK and abroad;
• selecting the right blade and snath for the job (or making best use of what you’ve got);
• setting up a scythe and snath;
• peening with a jig, and and introduction to freehand peening with hammer and anvil;
• sharpening;
• mowing technique;
• how to avoid damaging the blade, and how to repair chips and cracks;
• managing grass with scything in mind;
• hay-making by hand;
• making and loading a hayrack.

For more information or to book a place contact

Monkton Wyld Court

nr Charmouth, Bridport, Dorset   DT6 6DQ

01297560342

EasTec are running a combined Rabbit & Mole pest control course  at The Norfolk Golf & Country Club, Reymerston, Nr Norwich, NR9 4QQ on the 27th October 2010. The course includes both theory and practical demonstration.  At the end of the course each participant is issued with the necessary documentation, required by law, to purchase the necessary control agents from the wholesaler.  The cost of the course is £95 which includes lunch.

Please ring Jane on 07899685472 or email if you would like to book a place on this course.

A two-day introduction to permaculture design

13-14 October 2010
9.30am -5pm both days

This course will introduce the basics of permaculture design and show how this approach can be applied.

The first day will be at Stanmer Park (near University of Sussex), Brighton.

The second day will either be at Stanmer Park or another location within 15 miles of Brighton, travel and lift sharing will be arranged on the first day.

Further information and booking: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

Come to a working smithy and make your own ornamental fireplace poker to take home. Watch David demonstrate how the poker is made and learn about the use of tools, forge temperature, shaping and bending.

Price £110  (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

Make a cover for your own yurt, and we’ll order your canvas and get you started with demonstrations on seams, decoration, patterns and lots more. Or join in with a group effort and repair a cover for one of Yarner’s yurts. Hire our industrial sewing machine for half a day if you know what you’re doing.

Price £45 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

Interested in keeping a few chickens and wondering where to start? This introductory session covers both theoretical and practical sessions on sourcing your chickens; general husbandry; feed and range management; chicken behaviour and welfare and animal handling.

Meet group Introductions

Poultry & the Law

Bird Health Common ailments, How to recognise, How to minimize, How to treat, Parasites, Worms, Lice, Mites, Vermin Control Rats, Mice, Wild birds

What to feed & How much

Housing / Equipment

Hands On – Magdalen Flock recognise potential problems, How to hold, How to handle / Calm, Check birds for parasites / housing for red mites

Breeds Types of Bird, How to choose which is right for you, What to look for when purchasing, Where to buy from – auctions, breeders, dealers

Each course runs from 10am to 4pm and costs £70 per person which includes your tutition, notes, light refreshments, and lunch.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Next Course: 10 June 2010
Contact Name: Lisa Herbert
The Magdalen Project
Winsham
Chard
Somerset
TA20 4PA
England
Telephone: 0146030144
Website

Starting with Hens / Poultry Course

Hands on Intensive course!!

EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT 7PM – 9.30PM

This is a two and half hour theory and hands on course for those who wish to learn about keeping chickens. It is a fun evening with other like-minded people.

• Disscusing the breeds and finding the right breeds for you
• What to look for when purchasing chickens.
• Accommodation, density, well-being and husbandry.
• How and what to feed etc.
• Common diseases, avoidance, identification, control and treatment.
• Reproduction, hatching and rearing.

The course included ‘hands on’ inspection. You will get to clip their wings and handle the chicks

PLEASE BOOK EARLY AS THERE IS ONLY 8 PLACES AVAILABLE ON EACH DATE!!

CONTACT INFORMATION

Next Course: TUESDAY NIGHTS
Contact Name: Sarah Holden
Happy Chicks
Thornton House Farm, 27 Pilling Lane
Preesall
Lancashire
FY6 0HH
UK
Telephone: 01253813178
Website

We offer 2 inspiring day courses introducing you to the pleasures and pitfalls of self sufficiency and smallholding.

Smallholding for Profit – Aug 21, Sept 4, Oct 2

Pigs and Poultry for profit – Sept 18, Oct 23, Nov 6, Nov 27, Dec 4

Attendance at one of our unique smallholder courses will involve you in the daily life of a small working farm. You will receive sound, practical advice which will help you develop the necessary skills, confidence and knowledge which are essential to operate your own self-sufficiency enterprise. We will teach you about basic livestock keeping (outdoor pigs, free-range chickens and geese) and cost-effective growing of natural fruit and vegetables.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Name: Bill Mason
01797 270130

billmason@swipnet.se
www.moonsgreen.co.uk

Tenterden, Kent

Website

Course aimed at the novice or those thinking of setting up their own smallholding. This course will give an insight into keeping livestock such as cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry; covering the basic care and equipment requirements in each case along with land management techniques.
Structure:Introduction Classroom

• Expectations of the day
• The Magdalen Project and what we are achieving with our smallholding
• Housekeeping elements
• Health & Safety aspects – animals, machinery, medicines, chemicals

Legislation (Paperwork) Classroom

• Movement books or movement licenses
• Holding Numbers
• Flock/Herd Numbers & Trading Standards
• Registering with a Vet and Trading Standards
• Public Liability Insurance

Introduction to Livestock Classroom

• What breed
• Pedigree stock
• Charts of breeds with relevant information
• Where to source your livestock – private, through breeders and markets
• Intentions of keeping livestock – when will livestock be ready for slaughter
• Associated Associations and relevant contacts

Meeting the livestock Outside

• Equipment – Adequate fencing, housing, feeding equipment, veterinary equipment
• Types of feed
• Housing
• Signs of good and poor health
• Breeding – signs of heat, service vs AI, number of times to service, signs of birthing and what to do.
• Medicines and Medicine books
• Identification
• Land issues pertaining to keeping livestock

Conclusion

• Question & Answer session
• Evaluation of the day and in meeting expectations

CONTACT INFORMATION

Next Course: Visit Website
Contact Name: Lisa Herbert
The Magdalen Project
Winsham
Chard
Somerset
TA20 4PA
England
Telephone: 0146030144
Website

Two days designed for creative textile enthusiasts. Spend a weekend with other like minded people and why not take the residential option to indulge yourself.

Rosie will take you through the different stages required to create a rainbow of colours from plant materials. Gather flowers and leaves from the dye garden here as well as using additional dyes from abroad. Take home a basket full of beautiful colours.

More Information

On Saturday beginners will learn the different stages of wool preparation leading to a spun yarn. Those with more experience can learn more advanced techniques such as long draw or Navaho plying. Bring your wheel and equipment, or hire one for the weekend. A spinning wheel “clinic” will help to set up your wheel correctly. On Sunday spend the day extracting pigments from a wide range of plant material and use them to dye wool in a rainbow of wonderful colours..

CONTACT INFORMATION

The Yarner Trust
The Barton
Welcombe
Bideford
Devon
EX39 6DQ
01288-331692

Website

A one day course covering all aspects of keeping pigs. This includes choosing the most appropriate breed for your needs, the necessary equipment, nutrition, breeding & farrowing, herd health, producing stock for sale, and meeting legal requirements. Suitable for all from the complete beginner to the more experienced pig keeper.

Structure:Introduction Classroom

• Expectations of the day
• The Magdalen Project and what we are achieving with our smallholding
• Housekeeping elements
• Health & Safety aspects

Legislation (Paperwork) Classroom

• Movement books or movement license
• Holding Numbers
• Herd Numbers
• Registering with a Vet and Trading Standards

Introduction to Livestock Classroom

• What breed
• Pedigree stock
• Charts of breeds with relevant information
• Where to source your livestock
• Intentions of keeping livestock – when will livestock be ready for slaughter
• Associated Assocations and relevant contacts

Meeting the livestock Outside

• Equipment
• Types of feed
• Housing
• Signs of good and poor health
• Breeding – signs of heat, service vs AI, number of times to service, signs of farrowing and what to do.
• Medicines and Medicine books
• Identification
• Land issues pertaining to keeping livestock

Conclusion

• Question & Answer session
• Evaluation of the day and in meeting expectations

CONTACT INFORMATION

Next Course: 8 May 2010
Contact Name: Lisa Herbert
The Magdalen Project
Winsham
Chard
Somerset
TA20 4PA
England
Telephone: 0146030144
Website

The basic goat keeping course is two days but can be extended or reduced depending on your requirements. On the course you will learn how to house, feed and keep your goats healthy. You will also learn the essentials of dairying and the rules and regulations which apply should you wish to sell your produce.

You will do the good bits (getting to know goats and make cheese) and the bad bits (clearing deep litter bedding and trimming hooves.) I believe in you knowing exactly what you are letting yourselves in for! At the end of the course you will be provided with comprehensive notes to take away with you and my telephone number for ‘after sales service’.

Courses are arranged to suit you and I rarely take more than two people at a time. However, if you wish to come as a family or a group with the same interests and goals I can take up to four people on a course. Ultimately you will define the content and timing of the course and it will be tailored to your exact requirements. You also get my undivided attention.

I can provide overnight accommodation if required or there are a number of B&Bs, hotels and camp sites in the area if you want to combine your course with a stay in the glorious Exmoor National Park.

The course costs £105.00 per person per day and includes lunch and dairy products to take away with you. Dinner and overnight accommodation are simple but good and are charged at £15.00 per person per night.
CONTCT INFORMATION

Contact Name: Diana Piercy
Riverview
Bridgetown
Dulverton
Somerset
TA22 9JL
UK
Telephone: 01643851511

A ’bite sized’ introductory ‘beginners’ session into keeping hens at your home.

60min interactive talk tailored to the individual group, includes;

chicken anatomy, chicken breeds & suitability, housing, healthcare, feeding, settling in your hens, daily routine.
Meet the hens, handling / wing clipping practical session,
Q&A’s & ‘Settling in your new hens’ leaflet.

(Session length will vary depending on the amount of attendees. Please allow 2hrs for your visit)

Cost; £10 per adult, £2 per child (under 4’s are free)

Hens, feed and complete starter kits available to purchase after the session.
Hen Housing available to order – UK made wooden houses and Eglu ‘Go’.

Private beginners sessions also available on a date to suit you, at your place* or mine. Cost £50 for up to 4 adults and 4 children, extra adults £10, extra children £2. *Plus travel if required

As a qualified veterinary nurse and chicken keeper / breeder I also offer consultancy visits at your place* or mine, on any aspect of healthcare, constructing housing / runs, etc £10 / 15mins. *Plus travel if required.

Petting / handling sessions are available for adults / childrens groups / parties at your place* or mine. £50 / hour (up to 20 people per hour). *Plus travel if required.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Next Course: 01 May / 15 May / 29th May / 12th June
Contact Name: Kirsty
Hens For Homes
Three Acres
Bran End, Stebbing
Great Dunmow
Essex
CM6 3RJ
England
Telephone: 01371878909
Mobile: 07739514624

email kirsty@hensforhomes.co.uk

Website

(Purchase price includes delicious self sufficient & home produced, buffet style lunch plus tea and coffee throughout the day)

This course is a mixture of literally ‘hands on’ practical tuition and some classroom delivered theory content and is therefore suitable for adults and one to one adult-accompanied older children with mature outlook. Tutor with in excess 25 years self sufficiency experience of both upland and lowland situations, former agricultural college tutor/assessor & full scale farmer & Courses all run from the informal, comfortable environment of Tutor’s own self sufficient smallholding home - please see Gardenfarming web site for full details; attendance by prior booking only & all courses restricted to 4 placements.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Name: Sue@gardenfarming.org
Gardenfarming
Near Hornsea
East Riding of Yorkshire
HU11 4UH
England
Telephone: 01964527907
Website

All courses are run from my own self sufficient smallholding home on the coastline of the East Riding of Yorkshire utilizing my own livestock and kitchen vegetable garden for practical hands-on participation and demonstrations. These private, bespoke- tailor made one-day courses can cover absolutely any aspects of your concerns or areas that you just feel a little additional experienced and technically detailed input, advice and reassurance would benefit: soil types, analysis, nutritional status, grassland management……, how to utilize inherited outbuildings or what and where to build new ones…… which livestock will work best for you on your land? Animal health, husbandry, nutrition, what to look for when purchasing stock and where is best to buy from?……. How to utilize, process, preserve and enjoy what you produce! You choose – it is your course and don’t worry if you feel unsure about what you want to ask me because I can lead and guide your pathway into self sufficient living by drawing on my extensive experience of tutoring and living the self sufficient lifestyle! You can also choose the day and date of your Course Day attendance by sending me a selection of your suggested dates to sue@gardenfarming.org and your booking will be confirmed subject to day and date availability. Home made & produced self sufficient lunch is provided for you to taste the delicious outcomes of your own intended self sufficiency plans, all in the relaxed, informal and homely environment of my own smallholding home – once you have attended your private-bespoke course day you have the reassurance that I am always on the other end of e-mail for follow up questions or some help and support once you return home to your own project.

Please go to www.gardenfarming.org for full details of all Courses on offer from Gardenfarming and send me an e-mail to sue@gardenfarming.org to request day and date availability in order to book your own Bespoke/Family Course Day.

The Empire Farm has a small herd of Gloucester Oldspots, Saddleback and Kune Kune pigs. The course looks at all aspects of small scale pig keeping from choosing the right breed, raising pigs through to slaughter and dealing with the meat. The morning covers the different breeds, where to buy weaners, the amount of space that is needed, the type of housing, diet, disease, transport and the regulations. The afternoon focuses on what to do with all the meat. We will cover topics such as finding an abattoir, butchering the meat and then processing it to make sausages, bacon and ham. The day ends with a practical session on sausage making. Note this is a beginner’s course and we will not be dealing with aspects such as breeding pigs. £75 per person. Full day from 10 am to 5 pm. Next course Saturday 12 June.

CONTACT INFORMATION

The Empire Farm, Templecombe
www.empirefarm.co.uk
01963371681

Chicken School provides a 1-2-1 chicken keeping course tailored especially for you and your family, either at your or our premises; we also offer group courses to meet like minded people.

Our professional courses will teach you everything you need to know; we promote good chicken keeping skills to ensure you get the most from your flock.

We also offer an advisory / consultancy service to existing keepers. Teach chicken keeping at schools and colleges and provide hatching exercises for schools.

All customers have access to a local breeders list, to purchase pure breed or hybrid chickens.

The Free Chicken School Information booklet complements each course. Our courses are VET approved.
CONTACT INFORMATION

Next Course: Visit Website
Contact Name: Valerie Moody
Chicken School
241 Cheney Manor Road
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN2 2PE
UK
Telephone: 01793331796
Website

The site features include the 22 year old wilderness regeneration project, water management, wetland creation, fascine causeways, food gardens, tree crops, low impact development, renewable energy systems and more. Further details can be found on our website.

The tour takes about two and a half hours and includes a cuppa. Fees are £25-£75 per group of up to six people; you choose the rate according to how wealthy you feel.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Name: Chris Dixon
Penrhos
Tir Penrhos Isaf, Hermon
Dolgellau
Gwynedd
LL40 2LL
Wales
Website

Are you thinking about taking on some livestock for the first time? Are you uncertain which animal or breed is for you? Do you want to move beyond books and dreams and spend a day with experienced livestock keepers who can give you an insight that will help you make some initial decisions? Are you wavering between taking on a house cow, some weaners or a few ewes? If so, this might just be one of the best days you’ve spent in a while.

Course content: Having livestock is a big responsibility and ensuring sound animal welfare is a must for all smallholders. This course gives you the opportunity to consider what it really means to have sheep, pigs and cows. You will split your day between two neighbouring farms, getting to grips with the pleasures and pains of all three species, so that you end the day with a clearer idea of what animal and breed might best suit you and your land.

• 9.30: South Yeo Farm West, introductions: what are your livestock ambitions?
• sheep talk: a bit of theory – the legalities, the shepherd’s year, choosing your breeds
• sheep walk: care and welfare, handling and housing, feeding, fencing, breeding and lambing
• grab a cuppa. Pig talk: a bit of theory – the legalities, the pigkeeper’s year, choosing your breed
• pig walk: care and welfare, handling and housing, feeding, fencing, breeding and farrowing
• homemade lunch at South Yeo Farm West (soup, bread, cheese and chutneys)
• short drive to Locks Park Farm
• cattle walk and talk:  the legalities, the cattlekeeper’s year, choosing your breed, care and welfare, handling and housing, feeding, breeding and calving
• Devon cream tea at Locks Park Farm and Q+A
• 4.45: finish

This course is limited to eight people. Do bring: outdoor clothes, clean wellies, waterproofs and possibly a change of clothes if it looks like rain.

Cost: £95 per person including homemade lunch, Devon cream tea and refreshments

Dates: 18th September 2010. Dates for 2011 are now on our website.

This course is run in partnership with Locks Park Farm and the trainers for this course are Debbie and Andrew at South Yeo Farm West, with Paula Wolton and her son Olly who helps with the Locks Park organic suckler herd of Devon Red Ruby cattle.

Feedback: “Many thanks for a quite amazing day”. “It’s the best course I’ve ever been on – and I’ve been on a lot of courses.”

Booking: Booking is simple. Just send us your name, address, phone number and email address indicating which course you want to book with your preferred date, and we’ll send you an invoice (payment is required in advance), directions to the farm and any other information you might need. And don’t forget to tell us if you have any dietary restrictions.
CONTACT INFORMATION

Next Course: Saturday 18th September 2010
Contact Name: Debbie Kingsley
South Yeo Farm West
Northlew
Okehampton
Devon
EX20 3PS
UK
Telephone: 01837 810569
Website

Details at www.kingthorpemanorfarm.com

Kingthorpe Manor Farm

Make your own sustainable willow Christmas tree in the morning and indulge your artisitic nature creating wreaths and garlands in the afternoon. Decorate them with twists of beech, cones and hedgerow finds, to make treasures that you can use year after year.

Price £45 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

A practical introduction to the ancient craft of thatching. Learn to use the tools required, working with both wheat straw and water reed on our celtic roundhouse.

Price £55 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

Price £90 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

The bejewelled windows of churches and palaces noted on Kathy’s travels have inspired her to create this exciting new workshop, combining the techniques of mosaics and stained glass.

Price £90 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

Barton Farm’s senior butcher Robbie Warren will demonstrate butchering and processing a pig. You’ll take part in making sausages, dry cure bacon and ham. Suitable for smallholders, home pig-rearers, and general pork enthusiasts. Practical participation helps you learn more from the course but if you’d just like to watch, that’s fine. Take your own joints, sausages and bacon home for an extra charge.

Price £55 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

This is a beginner’s basket making course for those with little or no experience of weaving. Chose from different coloured willow and dogwood to create a beautiful basket with a wire base, which can be hung over the Aga to dry your herbs.

Price £45 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

Alan & Rosie Beat with Quads

Join author Alan Beat to look at the practicalities of a self reliant lifestyle on a few acres of land, producing your own top quality food while meeting many other needs in a sustainable and satisfying way. Examine land and livestock management, the potential for earned income and visit some working examples.

Price £165 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

An opportunity to explore the principles of ‘natural beekeeping’ with the author of the best-known book on the subject, The Barefoot Beekeeper. There will be a mix of theory and practice – weather permitting – and plenty of opportunities for questions and discussion.

Price £130  (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

Design and make a beautiful evening bag, or purse for storing jewellery and precious items. Chose from a variety of colours and learn the skill of felting round corners to create a seamless bag. Some felting experience preferred.

Price £45 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

Price £130 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

Vintage fashion is in! Trawl your local charity shops and turn an old wool jumper into a trendy cardigan or make a unique stylish waistcoat to your own design, all for around a fiver. Loads more ideas for easy fashion recycling, no experience necessary. Inspiring for teenagers on a budget.

Price Adults £45 (Bursary Available)        Age 12 to 18 £10

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

Price £45 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

Join Vera to make cheese with warm milk straight from the cow. You’ll be making both hard and soft cheese, and you can take them both home with you to brine and mature. Learn about traditional and modern ways of making different types of cheeses, including goat’s cheese. Small materials cost.

Price £55 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

Explore the history and chemistry of soap, and feel confident enough to make your own high, quality, natural soap at home. Look at natural oils for fragrance and herbal qualities, and look at sourcing ingredients that are non harmful to the environment. Make your own recipe and take your soap home for a small materials cost.

Price £45 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

Tutor Profile – Sara Rock

Sara has been running her business, So Soapy for 6 years, and has been making soap as a hobby, for many more. She has an interest in the power of natural plant ingredients and lives in the glorious Tamar Valley in Cornwall. The natural beauty of the Tamar Valley is a constant inspiration and Sara believes that by harnessing the power of the natural world, we can all wash sustainably!

Walk along the lanes of Welcombe in rural Devon and identify local medicinal plants, then back to the Barton to make teas and remedies. Have a look at how to plan your own medicinal garden and learn what herbs best suit the British climate.

Price £45 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

Come to a working smithy and make your own ornamental fireplace poker to take home. Watch David demonstrate how the poker is made and learn about the use of tools, forge temperature, shaping and bending. Then have a go yourself. See David’s showroom which displays a wide range of decorative and functional household items as well as his wonderful gates and sculptures. Maximum number of students : 4 so please book early.

Price £110 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

Design and create your own stone carving with Tim Harvey, a Master Carver, Stone Mason and Sculptor. Learn the techniques and tools of this immensely rewarding craft and come home with your masterpiece.Materials charge £10 for stone.

Price £45 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

Lime is a natural material that that provides the ideal finish for traditional cob, stone and newly constructed eco builds. A hands on day covering all aspects of rendering techniques.

Price £55 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

Learn the skill of repairing and building traditional stonewalls, using a variety of different styles, techniques and mortars.

Next Course: 23 June 2010

CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Name: Lisa Herbert
The Magdalen Project
Winsham
Chard
Somerset
TA20 4PA
England
Telephone: 0146030144
Website

Price £45 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information

Join tutor and author Alan Beat for this inspiring course. In times past cottage economy centred around the pig – and this can still apply today. Learn all you need to know about rearing pigs in a small space to yield a year round supply of top quality sausages, bacon and pork.

Price £45 (Bursary Available)

Book now : info@yarnertrust.org, 01288-331692, or visit www.yarnertrust.org for more information