Animals-and-Pets
The Country Smallholder
March that heralds in spring
It’s also a busy one on the smallholding and in the garden
3 min |
March 2025
The Country Smallholder
Exmoor Horn sheepnot just for Exmoor!
Helen Babbs meets the the hardy hill breed with excellent fleece
5 min |
March 2025
The Country Smallholder
Introducing new goats to your herd
Matt Huggins explains how to keep new members and old members safe and sound when first meeting
3 min |
March 2025
The Country Smallholder
All about the boots
With their feathered feet, friendly nature, and curious charm, Booted Bantams are a standout breed for all poultry keepers. Cara Wheeldon finds out what makes these little birds so special—and why you will never stop at just one.
2 min |
March 2025
The Country Smallholder
Why live in Dubai when you can farm deer in Scotland
Michael Wale finds out the attractions
5 min |
March 2025
The Country Smallholder
A Brief Chapter in the History of Land
Farming and smallholding practices have altered over the past century or so. Some changes have been subtle, others less so – and many brought about by technology and legislation. In a new monthly series, Jeremy Hobson outlines just a few of them.
2 min |
March 2025
The Country Smallholder
How city farms are actively conserving our native breed
Rare Breeds Survival Trust Chief Executive Christopher Price explains how consumers see farming in their own urban community
5 min |
March 2025
The Country Smallholder
No space to spare- an influx of rescued goats
Matt Huggins makes an unusual appeal for new foster homes
2 min |
February 2025
The Country Smallholder
Treats for Valentines Day
Henrietta Balcon looks at the traditions surrounding this celebration of love
2 min |
February 2025
The Country Smallholder
Are you legal to transport livestock?
Agricultural journalist, smallholder and editor of Ford & Fordson Tractors Magazine Jane Brooks, joins us for her regular look at the world of agricultural machinery.
4 min |
February 2025
The Country Smallholder
Soil Farmer of the Year competition launched on World Soil Day
Farmers can now enter the 2025 Soil Farmer of the Year competition, which will celebrate leadership in soil management as a tool to support the overall resilience of farm businesses. Entries close 5th March, 2025
1 min |
February 2025
The Country Smallholder
Getting kitted out for safety and comfort
Claire Waring considers the personal equipment you need when starting beekeeping.
6 min |
February 2025
The Country Smallholder
Laying hens doing a cracking job helping young farmer plough his own furrow
Joining Farmlay as a contract producer has helped a young Scottish farmer transform a modest acreage into a profitable concern.
4 min |
February 2025
The Country Smallholder
What Can Chickens Eat for Treats?
Most of us with chickens want to provide some treats as a supplement to their core food, either to encourage their trust or simply “just because”. Fiona & Hugh Osborne guide you through the options.
7 min |
February 2025
The Country Smallholder
The Andalusian, a beautiful Mediterranean light breed which has some genetic quirks
This Mediterranean breed was known in the early 1800s, but the colours then were black or white.
2 min |
February 2025
The Country Smallholder
The waddle of wee webbed feet
Many ducks will soon come into lay but you need to plan ahead if you want to breed ducklings
3 min |
February 2025
The Country Smallholder
Consider Cheshire for stunning countryside but also a county of culture
Sue Field writes our regular column about the best places for smallholder living
2 min |
February 2025
The Country Smallholder
Get the right balance for good health
From laminitis to obesity, to urology or constipation or looseness, Emily Wansbrough, Smallholder Nutritionist from The Smallholder Range discusses why diseases are caused by unbalanced feeding
5 min |
February 2025
The Country Smallholder
Hedges are nature's corridors as well as field barriers
John Sones says to be aware of hedgerow law and how to find funding
4 min |
February 2025
The Country Smallholder
The Inner Workings of a Goat Herd
Understanding how a herd works for its members is important to the welfare of goats
5 min |
February 2025
The Country Smallholder
Are Sheep Really Stupid?
Wade Muggleton disagrees – and so will you when you find out why!
4 min |
February 2025
The Country Smallholder
Top honours and top price for Old English Game trio
A trio of home-bred Pyle Old English Game bantams from regular Co. Durham exhibitor Andrew Addison was the standout entry and reached one of the mart's highest poultry prices ever when they dazzled at CCM Skipton's Craven Feather Auctions Christmas show and sale.
2 min |
February 2025
The Country Smallholder
How to Buy a Smallholding in France- Long-time smallholder Lorraine Turnbull looks at the practicalities of moving to rural France
Aspiring smallholders are continually thwarted by the prices of smallholdings and property with land located within the UK. Even the humblest croft in Scotland comes with a substantial price tag and conditions which would make even an adventurous wannabee consider carefully. But all is not lost. For those willing to take the adventure of a lifetime, there is always Europe, and one of the most popular places is France.
6 min |
September 2024
The Country Smallholder
Meet the Bournemouth goats and their supporters
These capricious animals are hard workers preserving the natural habitat
3 min |
September 2024
The Country Smallholder
Still warm enough to sit outside with a Pizza
Henrietta Balcon uses fresh figs to create an unusual dish at Harvest time
2 min |
September 2024
The Country Smallholder
Goodbye to the birds of spring and summer
If you look and listen you might be able to see them preparing to leave says The RSPB
2 min |
September 2024
The Country Smallholder
Get ready for the colder weather in the warmth of late summer
Claire Waring advises on doing the best to make sure your colonies survive until next spring
6 min |
September 2024
The Country Smallholder
Preparing the Veg Patch for Winter
Lee Senior says, a well-run plot can excitingly continue to produce good quality, tasty, fresh food for much of winter
3 min |
September 2024
The Country Smallholder
Time to prepare to plant your orchard
Wade Muggleton, smallholder and author of The Orchard Book, shares his practical experience so you can create your own fruit collection
5 min |
September 2024
The Country Smallholder
Choosing feed for the autumn
As autumn approaches, Joanna Palmer, nutritionist at the Smallholder Range, offers advice on choosing the right feed to support your adult birds through their annual moult and ensure your young birds grow and finish well at this time of the year.
6 min |