Animals-and-Pets
The Country Smallholder
Gardeners invited to help the RHS solve the mystery of the giant willow aphid
The RHS is calling on gardeners to send in sightings of the giant willow aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus) to help learn more about this elusive species and the ways it interacts with garden plants.
1 min |
Spring 2023
The Country Smallholder
Time to grow your own cup of tea for a truly British cuppa!
Michael Wale reaches for his allotment shed kettle and reports on home grown tea
4 min |
Spring 2023
The Country Smallholder
NFU say Urgent action needed to secure home-grown food supply
Government faces a stark choice: back British food production in order to secure a homegrown supply of sustainable food or risk seeing more empty shelves in the nation's supermarkets.
1 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
British Wool praised for wool prices
British Wool has been hailed as an example of collective marketing and praised for its success in improving prices for UK sheep farmers.
1 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
RHS make predictions for 2023
As we head towards 2023, the nation's 30 million gardeners can look forward to flourishing houseplants, bountiful herbs and a multitude of ways to help the environment says the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
2 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
Look out for Potato Day!
For heritage varieties and a huge selection, Potato Days up and down the UK are back this year.
2 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
Animal Behaviour?
Two welsh ponies interacting but are they fighting or playing?
3 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
What are good companions?
Companion planting with tomatoes and marigolds
1 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
Making money from your smallholding
You can sell surplus eggs at outside your gate (subject to it not being a danger to traffic)
3 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
Dirty Ducks
Call ducks are the least messy ducks, due mainly to their smaller size
1 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
My gander is very aggressive
This gander is warning you not to come any closer
1 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
Meet an amazing countryman with a remarkable life
91 years old, 2,000 walking sticks and still searching for the perfect hazel shank!
2 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
Rhubarb is a sign of spring and the warmer weather to come.
Mrs Simkins Smallholder Recipes bring the changing seasons into your kitchen. Make the most of the early stems whilst using early spring eggs for some cake baking.
2 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
Six simple steps to create flourishing hedgerows
Take advantage of free advice available to farmers and smallholders on how to maintain this iconic habitat throughout prime hedgerow management season and beyond.
2 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
The murmur of a thousand Starlings
The RSPB shows you how to find a display near you of this spectacular but sadly declining bird.
2 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
Things Begin to Stir
Claire Waring describes the increasing activity within your beehive. Although it obviously depends on where you live and on the vagaries of the great British climate, things begin to move inside the beehive in March so now is the time to understand what will happen. Also find out how you can help them and other bees.
5 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
Time for the winter pruning of fruit trees
Lorraine Turnbull says making the effort at the right time will be a fruitful action.
4 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
Get Seed Savvy
Kim Stoddart explains how to get the best out of your seed for the growing season ahead, including tips for germination and money saving...
5 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
New Year, Even Bigger Show: Entries Steaming In for Malvern's Magnificent March Tractor Show
An unmissable date on tractor and commercial enthusiasts' calendars for Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th March, preparations for 2023's highly anticipated Spring Tractor World and Classic Commercial Show are already roaring on.
2 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
When is it best to go for new kit?
Agricultural journalist, smallholder and Editor of the Ferguson Heritage Magazine Jane Brooks, joins us for a regular look at the world of agricultural machinery.
3 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
Saving resources for the future
John Sones looks at more carbon reducing ideas
3 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
How genetics influence some areas of poultry breeding.
The plumage colour of a chicken is defined by two pigment types.
5 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
It's all in the genes
With a basic understanding of genetics, breeding poultry for showing can be an enjoyable hobby. Paul Donovan investigates this challenging science.
3 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
What poultry keepers think they should do if they suspect avian flu
Sol Elliot, Final Year (5th) Veterinary student at the School of University Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, updates from her survey which aims to find out how vets and owners view Avian Flu.
3 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
Vet advice from an experienced poultry vet
David Parsons MRCVS updates poultry keepers on avian flu and looks at how you can help your flock during this challenging time.
6 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
COLD comfort
Your chickens deserve special consideration in very cold weather. Have you covered all the angles? Grant Brereton offers personal advice plus thoughts on breeding pure breed poultry.
6 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
The BHWT 900,000th hen finds her new home
Lucky little Lottie settles down in Scotland
1 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
Incubating with Broody Hens
In the first in a series on chicken breeding using broody hens, Fiona & Hugh Osborne explain why this is a valid model for the smallholder.
7 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
Set up your own camping site
A certified Camping and Caravanning Club site will give you an alternative income with pitch perfect peace of mind.
2 min |
February 2023
The Country Smallholder
The thatched cottage dream or disaster
Master Thatcher, Chris Dodson untangles the myths from the reality to help you make your choice in the property market.
6 min |