In this issue

THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND

Brand new or classic, how to choose the perfect tractor for your needs

The Environmental Agency and smallholders

An exclusive insight into managing environmental responsibilities

Sheep worrying – time to take action!

Did you know its one of the most reported rural crimes?

Protecting your property

How to make your smallholding secure

Making homemade wine from your fruit

It’s easier than you think to fill your glass

The reality of a rainy smallholding

A wet way forward to achieving self sufficiency

The plentiful polytunnel

Using your undercover garden to its full advantage

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.

7 mins

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.

4 mins

Keeping Things Together

Claire Waring discusses methods of swarm control

5 mins

All about Asparagus

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

6 mins

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

8 mins

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

5 mins

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

What you need to know about adopting hens from the BHWT

5 mins

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.

5 mins

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...

9 mins

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

4 mins

Breed Focus: Angora Rabbits

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

6 mins

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

8 mins

Choosing a Spinning Wheel

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

2 mins

Medicinal plants formally known as weeds!

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

3 mins

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\"

2 mins

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

Jo Carter of English Woodlands looks at some options

4 mins

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.

4 mins

A new way with spring lamb for Easter and rhubarb fool

Henrietta Balcon makes the most of seasonal spring produce

3 mins

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...

5 mins

The National Poultry Show is back!!

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

5 mins

Five tips for merging flocks

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

6 mins

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

5 mins

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

3 mins

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

1 min

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

4 mins

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.

1 min

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.

6 mins

Profile:Buttercups Goat Sanctuary

Helen Babbs visits the UK’s only goat rescue centre

5 mins

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.

1 min

UK study finds some species of seabirds are showing signs of developing immunity to avian influenza

The eight-strong FluMap consortium, headed by the world-leading research team at the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA), has developed laboratory tools that can dissect the immune response in birds that have been exposed to avian influenza viruses in their lifetime.

2 mins

Read all stories from The Country Smallholder

The Country Smallholder Magazine Description:

The Country Smallholder is aimed at the ever-increasing UK audience interested in living a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable way of life. From people already living on a smallholding, to allotment owners; from those with a couple of acres of land, to those aspiring to get more out of their garden or even window box. With 73% of UK residents claiming to want to live more sustainably post Covid, The Country Smallholder has something for everyone.

Every issue will carry; free vet advice; helpful practical features on all aspects of smallholding, from keeping chickens to crop rotation; information on poultry, pigs, sheep, goats, cattle, and alpacas; rural crafts; property; small tractors and machinery, as well as keeping readers up to date with all the latest news and innovations.