Animals-and-Pets
The Country Smallholder
Give Birds Space this Summer
Don't look up, look down to protect ground nesting birds.
2 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Summer fruit is a bountiful crop so the solution is to preserve it
Dr Andrew Oldham looks at methods you can use to have a taste of the summer in the winter
3 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Fat Hen and Good King Henry in history
Jane Brooks says some 'weeds' represent a bridge to our agricultural past, offering a free alternative to modern greens
2 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Bobbin Lacemaking
A new grass roots initiative seeking to create an assured future for an endangered heritage craft
3 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Glorious June heralds the start of summer.
Allison Lee says it is a lively, energetic month filled with things that need doing and no time to lose.
2 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
How to survive (and do well in) the show ring
Linda Aldous believes that you should try showing your wonderful pedigree pigs - it can be rewarding and enjoyable if you plan ahead
5 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Cooking with summer evenings and picnics in mind
Henrietta Balcon celebrates her new hens' arrival and makes a cool, colourful and quick pudding
2 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Q&A
Our Experts answer your questions
5 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Increase Your Bees
It's possible to increase the number of hives by making your own colonies Claire Waring discusses options for expanding your apiary
6 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
The alpaca shearing season is in full swing so make that important day easier for animals and people
Joy Whitehead speaks from experience when she gives her top tips for a successful shearing day
4 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Achieving strong and uniform egg shells
Paul Donovan investigates the factors which affect eggshell quality throughout the laying season and how you can give your hens the best chances you can for healthy eggs
8 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Understanding serious respiratory diseases and what to look out for
Victoria Roberts BVSC MRCVS discusses a serious but necessary topic for poultry keepers
5 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Sow, grow and harvest at home
This guide cuts to what you really need to know for good growing right from the start
2 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Fox attacks are a poultry keeper's nightmare, but much can be done to make them less likely.
Fiona and Hugh Osborne's land has regular visits from foxes. Although most smallholdings are in the countryside, foxes are common in urban as well as rural landscapes so all poultry keepers need to be alert to this major predator. A fox attack is something all poultry keepers fear, but Hugh and Fiona have developed a five step process that means that even though they keep a lot of poultry, they have never lost a bird to a fox.
7 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Wonderwool Wales 2026 grows project for Wonderwool Wales 2027
Calico Dress Cymru artist planning new project in the community
2 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
CAAV calls for a Soil Improvement and Resilience Scheme
Prices for fertiliser and fuel are high and commodities don't keep up
1 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Living in harmony with foxes - is it possible?
Jeremy Hobson meets a chicken keeper who takes a different view from many poultry keepers on foxes and preventing fox attacks
5 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
The Pilgrim dilemma
Chris Ashton examines an autosexing breed which needs monitoring -it's a goose colour genetics puzzle!
7 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Hen pals: do chickens play nicely with other animals?
From dogs and cats to rabbits and even llamas, hens can slot surprisingly well into a mixed-animal household – so long as you're patient, and pay attention
4 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Cause for Celebration but also Concern in the New RBST Watchlist
Rare Breeds Survival Trust Chief Executive Christopher Price discusses the latest findings in this year's RBST Watchlist
4 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Lots of action at the auction
Agricultural journalist, and machinery writer Jane Brooks, joins us for her regular look at the world.
5 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Feeding for health and resilience in chickens and waterfowl
As Sarah Day BSc, MSc, Animal Nutritionist and Lab Manager at Small Holder Feed explains, whether you keep a small group of hens for eggs or a mixed flock including ducks and geese, nutrition underpins everything from feather condition to fertility, behaviour and long-term resilience.
4 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
On-farm vending machines - the future of produce selling?
Helen Babbs explores this high-tech option for farm gate sales
5 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Tenbury Wells - Queen Victoria's 'little town in the orchard'
Sue Field is in Worcestershire for this unique and versatile property
3 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Growing Multiple Crops Pays Dividends
Growing a diverse mix of fruits and vegetables is the smart Smallholder's secret. Fiona and Hugh Osborne explain why growing a wider number of varieties will bring greater success.
7 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Understand your broodies and how to manage them
Grant Brereton says broody hens are 'wonderful' but need some planning
5 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Common Caprine Complaints
Matt Huggins looks at recognising common ailments and what to do about them
3 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
A balancing act
John Sones looks at the characteristics of ragwort Often ragwort gets a bad press but is that fair? Let's take a look at what the law states. Plus the pros and cons of ragwort and good practice.
2 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Woolmen Charity agrees funding for British Wool Advanced Shearing
Places for 2026 now available
1 min |
June 2026
The Country Smallholder
Making sure you put enough nutrition into your dairy goat to support her milk production
Sarah Day, nutritionist for Small Holder Feed offers feeding advice for your dairy goats to help them be happy, healthy and milky animals.
6 min |