CATEGORIES

Getting started with Alpacas
The Country Smallholder

Getting started with Alpacas

Welcome to our Alpaca Special where we focus on this versatile and attractive animal! In this in-depth feature, we look at management, explore the many reasons to keep alpacas and highlight understanding behaviour.

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2024
Being able to respond to unexpected accidents on the smallholding is crucial
The Country Smallholder

Being able to respond to unexpected accidents on the smallholding is crucial

Hugh & Fiona Osborne describe how they have responded to a major setback to their smallholder plans. It may help you plan your response, should the worst happen.

time-read
7 mins  |
April 2024
How can we ensure that Britain keeps farming?
The Country Smallholder

How can we ensure that Britain keeps farming?

Agricultural journalist, smallholder and Editor of the Ferguson Heritage Magazine Jane Brooks, joins us for her regular look at the world of agricultural machinery.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2024
Keeping Things Together
The Country Smallholder

Keeping Things Together

Claire Waring discusses methods of swarm control

time-read
5 mins  |
April 2024
All about Asparagus
The Country Smallholder

All about Asparagus

Lee Senior has some surprising facts about this delicious plant that you can grow in your veg patch

time-read
6 mins  |
April 2024
I'll talk, you listen
The Country Smallholder

I'll talk, you listen

Paul Donovan investigates the importance of vocalisation in chickens, and how it conveys a bird's feelings, and state of health

time-read
8 mins  |
April 2024
Home is where the hen is
The Country Smallholder

Home is where the hen is

Chickens are an \"absolute necessity in anyone's life,\" says Cara Wheeldon It's no yolk! from healing properties to happiness, here's why poultry make the best pets

time-read
5 mins  |
April 2024
The spring is a good time to think about getting some hens
The Country Smallholder

The spring is a good time to think about getting some hens

What you need to know about adopting hens from the BHWT

time-read
5 mins  |
April 2024
Poultry leg rings are an invaluable tool for poultry keepers
The Country Smallholder

Poultry leg rings are an invaluable tool for poultry keepers

There are a vast array of types of leg rings on the market and they can be used in many ways. Fiona & Hugh Osborne guide you through the choices and applications.

time-read
5 mins  |
April 2024
Broody Hen Disasters
The Country Smallholder

Broody Hen Disasters

Hatching chicks the natural way doesn't always go smoothly. Grant Brereton, author of The Broody Hen Hand Book, reveals some of the past challenges with broody hens that inspired his publication...

time-read
9 mins  |
April 2024
Watching the goats on the Watchlist
The Country Smallholder

Watching the goats on the Watchlist

Rare Breeds Survival Trust Conservation Adviser Andrea Parry Jones looks at how we can help our native breed goat

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2024
Breed Focus: Angora Rabbits
The Country Smallholder

Breed Focus: Angora Rabbits

Helen Babbs finds out about these easy-to-keep rabbits with their luxury fibre

time-read
6 mins  |
April 2024
Meeting the people keeping British sheep breeds alive and well
The Country Smallholder

Meeting the people keeping British sheep breeds alive and well

David Cummins-Egan speaks to three smallholders who believe their breed will survive and thrive into the future

time-read
8 mins  |
April 2024
Choosing a Spinning Wheel
The Country Smallholder

Choosing a Spinning Wheel

Claire Boley considers what you need to look for when investing in a new wheel

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2024
Medicinal plants formally known as weeds!
The Country Smallholder

Medicinal plants formally known as weeds!

Mel Thomas says start small to make a difference in your garden

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2024
Fly tipping is not a victimless crime
The Country Smallholder

Fly tipping is not a victimless crime

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) President Victoria Vyvyan says \"Report, report, report to highlight the extent of the crime\"

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2024
These structurally beautiful shrubs and trees can provide shelter and privacy for your house
The Country Smallholder

These structurally beautiful shrubs and trees can provide shelter and privacy for your house

Jo Carter of English Woodlands looks at some options

time-read
4 mins  |
Spring 2024
Agricultural vehicle users being urged to comply with lighting rules
The Country Smallholder

Agricultural vehicle users being urged to comply with lighting rules

Agricultural journalist, smallholder and Editor of the Ferguson Heritage Magazine Jane Brooks, joins us for her regular look at the world of agricultural machinery.

time-read
4 mins  |
Spring 2024
A new way with spring lamb for Easter and rhubarb fool
The Country Smallholder

A new way with spring lamb for Easter and rhubarb fool

Henrietta Balcon makes the most of seasonal spring produce

time-read
3 mins  |
Spring 2024
How a forced change of direction flowered into an income - and a passion
The Country Smallholder

How a forced change of direction flowered into an income - and a passion

This month we meet Dawn Pearse whose need to avoid sunlight due to developing Lupus) led to a quite different way of managing her smallholding...

time-read
5 mins  |
Spring 2024
The National Poultry Show is back!!
The Country Smallholder

The National Poultry Show is back!!

Grant Brereton says save the date for a magical day out for all poultry owners

time-read
5 mins  |
Spring 2024
Five tips for merging flocks
The Country Smallholder

Five tips for merging flocks

The BHWT says respect the social groups hens form and work with their natural behaviour

time-read
6 mins  |
Spring 2024
How a farmer followed his dream to rewilding his acres
The Country Smallholder

How a farmer followed his dream to rewilding his acres

Susie Kearley talks to a man who delights in his new lifestyle and explains how it is sustainable in every sense of the word

time-read
5 mins  |
Spring 2024
The tasty tomato, simple to grow if you protect them from frost
The Country Smallholder

The tasty tomato, simple to grow if you protect them from frost

Lee Senior says getting an early start to growing this rewarding crop is easier than you think

time-read
3 mins  |
Spring 2024
What you need to know about Schmallenberg Virus (also known as SBV)
The Country Smallholder

What you need to know about Schmallenberg Virus (also known as SBV)

Dr Ami Sawran BVSc CertAVP CP) PGCertVPS PhD MRCVS from Westpoint vets shares the advice given to worried owners

time-read
1 min  |
Spring 2024
Vet Attestations for livestock owners
The Country Smallholder

Vet Attestations for livestock owners

New rules came into force in Great Britain on the 13th of December regarding exports of meat and some animal by-products to the EU. The British Pig Association offers advice on your next steps

time-read
4 mins  |
Spring 2024
Exceptional growth in organic poultry feed from company dating back to 1675
The Country Smallholder

Exceptional growth in organic poultry feed from company dating back to 1675

HJ Lea Oakes is one of the longest established independent animal feed manufacturers in Britain with a history dating back to 1675. Centuries later, they are still independent, family run and extremely proud to be part of the country’s rich agricultural heritage.

time-read
1 min  |
Spring 2024
Balancing Pellets, Treats and Nutrition
The Country Smallholder

Balancing Pellets, Treats and Nutrition

Most of us with chickens aren’t experts in nutritional needs for ourselves, let alone for our chickens. Fiona and Hugh Osborne explain how they balance the nutritional needs of their breeding flock of Orpingtons.

time-read
6 mins  |
Spring 2024
Profile:Buttercups Goat Sanctuary
The Country Smallholder

Profile:Buttercups Goat Sanctuary

Helen Babbs visits the UK’s only goat rescue centre

time-read
5 mins  |
Spring 2024
Farmers urged to beware, take action and be vigilant for new strain of Bluetongue virus
The Country Smallholder

Farmers urged to beware, take action and be vigilant for new strain of Bluetongue virus

Following reports of a new strain of bluetongue virus (BTV-3) emerging and spreading rapidly in the Netherlands, there is increasing concern about the situation and its proximity to the UK.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023