A Dream Fulfilled

Lainy Shepherd talks to Debbie Kingsley about her new smallholding life in Devon.

Lainy Shepherd, her husband Steve and daughter Chlöe live on an eight-acre smallholding near Holsworthy in Devon. “What we wanted was 15 plus acres, a copse, a river and a secluded location. What we bought was eight acres of flat fields, a large yard space and outside buildings, including a 56ft barn, miniature stables, livestock pens, woodstore and office, as well as gates and fencing that meant we could house livestock straightaway.

“As a child I grew up in the countryside where as many days as possible were spent outside, making camps, riding bikes, climbing trees. My dad and grandad had a love of animals, and exposed me to wildlife from an early age. Holidays were often taken on farms where I’d help with egg collecting and spending as much time with the livestock as I could. I always promised myself that, as an adult, I’d have my two favourite animals, pigs and a Basset Hound!