An ancient philosophy with a powerful relevance to the ecological ills of the modern world has taken root on an inspiring Devonshire hilltop just a stone’s throw from Dartmoor. Husbandry, the careful nurturing of nature, the timeless skill of looking after the ground which looks after us, is the passion of Carole and Jonty Williams of Liddy Ball, Bickington, near Ashburton. The couple believes that centuriesold philosophy will play a vital role in the transition we must all make towards a truly sustainable future for the planet.
Their Husbandry School, which provides education and training, produces local food for local people, keeps heritage varieties alive and well and explores different methods of working with nature. But the fact that their produce, and the way it is grown and the way their livestock are raised, excites demanding restaurateurs both far and wide is only a part of the story, for the Husbandry School also has an increasingly recognised community role, using the natural resources in which it is so rich to offer care and training for young people with additional needs.
This dual role is made possible by the dual expertise of Carole and Jonty. Jonty, with a degree in ecology, has a background in dairy farming. Carole is an educationalist, specializing in behavioural management and community development.
The foundation for the school’s success is the study and application of husbandry, with the word used in its broadest (and most original) sense.
Denne historien er fra February 2020-utgaven av Country Smallholding.
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Denne historien er fra February 2020-utgaven av Country Smallholding.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The Secret World Of The Honey Bee
Who knew that honey bees are the best builders? Nicola Bradbear from Bees for Development reveals how they build their parallel wax combs with extraordinary accuracy
Tip the light fantastic
The latest offering from Ifor Williams Trailers is the Single Axle Tipper, which is simply perfect for small-scale farmers
The legacy of The Good Life
The Good Life captured the public’s imagination when it first aired in 1975. On Country Smallholding’s 45th birthday, Jeremy Hobson looks at this and other programmes with a self-sufficiency slant that have captivated urban and rural dwellers alike over nearly half a century
‘The hens took shelter under the pig trailer in the paddock'
A tree Armageddon frightens poultry diarist Julian Hammer’s flock and leaves him with a mammoth clear-up job
Tools of the trade
In the second part of his mini-series on tools that are useful around the holding, Kevin Alviti takes an in-depth look at the iconic scythe, a thistle paddle and forks that were once virtually indispensable to small-scale farmers
The nightclub bouncer of the sheep world
Adam Henson waxes lyrical about the Texel, which boasts such a stocky body that it resembles a box of muscle on four legs
Buying on a tight budget
As demand for smallholdings increases and prices continue to rise, is there a way to achieve your dream without forking out a fortune? In the first part of a new mini-series, Liz Shankland explores the possibilities
Crazy for crafts
In an ordinary back garden and single paddock near Kidderminster, Kay Dalloway has created both a thriving smallholding and a successful fibre business — all while working full time for the NHS. Helen Babbs drops by to find out about her ventures
Game on
A little preparation in the autumn months will help to make the transition into winter smoother and put your garden and tools on a better footing come the spring, says Stephanie Bateman
1975 And All That
Country Smallholding is 45 this month. To celebrate, Jeremy Hobson takes a look at some of the changes — both good and bad — to small-scale farming over that near half-century
