Animals-and-Pets
The Country Smallholder
News from a leading alpaca farm
Alpaca Evolution is, as the name suggests, all about Alpacas and 2025 saw us bring our faith in the exceptional qualities of the fibre to the forefront.
2 min |
January 2026
The Country Smallholder
Make an early start with vegetables to get ahead in 2026
Lee Senior takes a look at why its great to be early and how to work round the weather
6 min |
January 2026
The Country Smallholder
Getting egg cited for the new season
Ducks usually come into lay earlier than pure chicken breeds so be ready
3 min |
January 2026
The Country Smallholder
January is a busy month for new ideas
Big events provide much to think about for the year ahead
3 min |
January 2026
The Country Smallholder
Resolve to do things for nature in 2026
Helen Moffatt suggests seven simple suggestions for welcoming nature to your plot
2 min |
January 2026
The Country Smallholder
Cracking On: What's Next for Hen Welfare in 2026?
From in-school chick hatching to hens as healers, the British Hen Welfare Trust is setting out its resolutions for a brighter new year
3 min |
January 2026
The Country Smallholder
Ovis Wool Pellets - Closing the Loop Between Farm and Garden
Ovis is a new Aberdeenshire startup turning undervalued British wool into a natural garden product with big benefits for soil health and sustainability.
1 min |
January 2026
The Country Smallholder
What did 2025 bring for rare breeds and what will 2026 bring?
Rare Breeds Survival Trust Chief Executive Christopher Price looks at progress and new projects in a difficult year for farming
4 min |
January 2026
The Country Smallholder
The Orkney Tiny Trailer Abattoir is about to make a big difference
Helen Babbs meets a determined smallholder developing a moveable solution to her local abattoir problem
6 min |
January 2026
The Country Smallholder
"Give a Little, Make a Lot” says Addington Fund
Addington Fund is proud to announce the relaunch of its \"Give a Little, Make a Lot\" scheme, supported by the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA).
1 min |
January 2026
The Country Smallholder
Preventing and Controlling Predators
Poultry are prey animals and, in the UK, there are a wide array of predators that can hunt them. Hugh and Fiona Osborne look at the predators to be aware of and how to guard against them.
7 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Showing our Turtle Doves some love this Christmas
Helen Moffatt says you can be part of Operation Turtle Dove on your smallholding
3 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
On the third day of Christmas
The famous Christmas carol celebrates \"three French hens\", but what if we gave the verse a smallholder's twist? Cara Wheeldon introduces three festive bantam breeds that bring sparkle, charm, and cheer to coops across Britain this winter.
5 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Five ideas for inside food growing over winter
Editor and eco-expert Kim Stoddart outlines some more creative ways to bring the outdoors in this winter
3 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
How to enjoy winter pig keeping
Linda Aldous says success is all in the preparation and in your clothing!
5 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Where next for Britain's smallholding and farming communities as we look to 2026 and beyond
Agricultural journalist, smallholder and editor of Ford & Fordson Tractors Magazine Jane Brooks, joins us for her regular look at the world.
4 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
All dressed up with nowhere to show?
Grant Brereton says there's still cause for optimism with pure breeds
6 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
When small businesses collaborate, things happen!
Angela Williams shows how by working with like minded people, you can create things you thought you could only dream
5 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Cluckin' around the Christmas tree
'Tis season of peace and goodwill to all hens
5 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
The gentle giant Brahma - big and beautiful
Victoria Roberts BVSC MRCVS looks at a stately, docile chicken with an impressive history
2 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Built to Last
Why Traditional Timber Craftsmanship Still Matters
2 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Possible poultry shows on the horizon
Grant Brereton asks Jon Grubb Chair of The Poultry Club what is happening
3 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
How to make some traditional Christmas favourites yourself
Henrietta Balcon says it's fun, easy and so tasty and you can use some of your own produce as well
2 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Winter livestock feeding: how to manage different animals on a smallholding
Colder weather, shorter days and limited grazing all make winter a challenging time on the smallholding. Getting nutrition right helps every animal stay healthy, productive and in good condition until spring.
4 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Tinsel and feathers
As the days grow shorter and the nights draw in, Cara Wheeldon reflects on her first year of writing about bantams and on the cheeky flock that inspired it all. With feathers fluffed against the cold and mischief in their eyes, her hens seem almost too excited for Christmas to go to bed on time.
2 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Ghost of the farm
Jeremy Hobson recommends a very special book where the reader becomes a virtual time traveller through countryside life
1 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Christmas cheer, or Christmas neglect?
Paul Donovan winds up 2025, by giving some advice on ensuring our hens have a safe festive season.
8 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Livestock insurance cover revamped ahead of Pedigree Sales season
Including cover for individual pedigree animals
1 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Putting a star on the best of British trees and wreaths
Meet the champion growers adding joy to Christmas
2 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Fodder first with fresh milk vending machine
Fresh, sustainable and local!
1 min |