Animals-and-Pets
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 |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Donkeys are not just for Christmas but all year round in some countries' industries
Anna Harrison BSc (Hons) BVSc (Hons) CertWEL MScIAWEL AFHEA MRCVS looks at a breakthrough in understanding how it can affect them
5 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Native breed produce at Christmas
Rare Breeds Survival Trust Chief Executive Christopher Price says celebrate British native breeds
2 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Lambing List now open for delivery
Help is at hand if you need it or you can offer assistance
2 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Now's the time to learn more about nature and bees
Claire Waring reviews new books on bees plus the natural world around us
4 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Meet Millburn Alpacas where the fleece is turned into home-spun yarn
Helen Babbs visits a herd of Scottish alpacas and their fibre artist
5 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
British Wool reports sharpest price increase in a decade
Still time to get wool on-farm into depots
1 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Sun, Sea, Sailing and Smallholding on the Isle of Wight
Sue Field looks for properties to provide you with your dream way of life
2 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Are Goats Right for You?
Matt Huggins says do your research first for this intelligent and active animals
2 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Why potatoes deserve a bigger place on our plates
What would Christmas dinner be without its roast potatoes or cold meat on Boxing Day without its baked potatoes?
2 min |
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Scrooge experiences a life changing shock
The miser thinks of more ways to save in this time of lavish spending according to John Sones
2 min |