Introduction to smallholding: a two day course

"We were so enthused and inspired by our weekend with you both, that we have gone for an 11 acre smallholding!!" J.H. Woking
 
Who would benefit from this course? Are you thinking about taking on some livestock for the first time? Have you got an extra large garden or a bit of acreage that needs using? Do you want to know more about smallholding before taking the plunge? Do you want to produce your own food? Have you taken the smallholding plunge but feel a bit out of your depth?

Course content: This two day course will give you a solid grounding for getting started in smallholding, covering the essential topics of legal and statutory requirements, tools and equipment and basic livestock management. We allow time to answer a raft of questions and aim to leave you feeling confident in making those early smallholding decisions.  You will spend some time with our livestock and have the opportunity to explore the realities of smallholding.

• 9.45 arrival, coffee/tea
  
• 10.00 Introductions. What level of smallholding activity are you doing at the moment (if any), and what do you want to achieve on your smallholding?
• 10.30 The paperwork – it’s not as difficult as you think! Gaining an understanding of the legal requirements and paperwork required to run an efficient smallholding. Should you set up as a business? Everything from optional VAT registration to compulsory movement licences.
• 11.45 Basic tools and equipment. What tools, equipment and skills are required when starting up, and also when one gets more ambitious (from hand tools to tractors and trailers)
• 12.45 Lunch
• 1.45 Livestock handling, housing and watering (sheep, waterfowl and pigs)
• 4.00 Cream tea and Q+A – picking up on all those questions you really want answers to
• 4.45 Finish for the day

• 9.45 arrival, coffee/tea,
  
• 10.00 picking up on any outstanding questions from day one
• 10.15 Livestock basic healthcare, husbandry and feeding; knowing your limits and when and where to seek advice (from overstocking to diagnosis of ailments and keeping records)
• 11.30 Hedging and fencing; materials available, advantages/shortcomings of different approaches, cost comparisons and basic techniques
• 12.45 Lunch
• 1.30 Choosing your livestock.  Breeding or buying in? What are your options and your sources?
• 2.15 Creating habitats for wildlife – from hedgebanks to woodland, owl boxes, orchids and otters – farm walk to see it for real
• 3.30 Making the most of your produce; how to turn stock into meat , what to expect from an abattoir/butcher
• 4.15 Cream tea and techniques for preserving
  
• 4.45 Feedback and 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: £120 per person including homemade lunch, Devon cream tea and refreshments on both days

Next dates:
Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th February 2010
Friday 5th & Saturday 6th March 2010
Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th May 2010
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th June 2010
Thursday 1st July & Friday 2nd July 2010
Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th September 2010
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th October 2010
Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th November 2010

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.