Starting and Running your own Smallholding

Picture this - six of us sitting in brilliant sunshine on David's terrace - entranced by the view, entertained by his dogs and with the first of several hot drinks in front of us - a superb start to an excellent course! On this first day of two David took us gently through the main aspects of planning (just briefly - as most of us had already bought) and running our smallholdings. He introduced us to the mysteries of registration, grants and subsidies, all the while making the issues clear and as uncomplicated as the legislation would allow - not always an easy task. VAT, waste management and stewardship were all raised along with organic conversion and the possibilities for a bit of government money for woodland schemes - and don't get too optimistic is the message here! Moving on to livestock we were able to compare notes - some of us already had a few chickens and sheep while others were still contemplating what would suit best - and it was very useful to be able to talk things through and to ask some really naive questions without feeling foolish. A walk round the smallholding escorted by the dogs followed lunch - and here we could see the course in action as David talked us through cattle and slopes and trees and... whatever came to mind! We left with brains buzzing to absorb and digest what we had covered, ready for another go the following Saturday.

This time we really got to grips with yet more interesting topics - starting with 'boys toys'! What do you really need to manage your smallholding and how do you choose it? What are the risks and accompanying health and safety and legislation issues? Tractors, chainsaws - there's more to it than you think - but we were pointed to some really good sources and training opportunities which was most useful. Management of grassland, boundaries and woodlands exercised us next and again legislation and licensing were pointed up very clearly and we were treated to good common sense about how to look after our land. Hedging and fencing became more fascinating than I could possibly have imagined - no, it's true! We finished with buildings, their maintenance being the main focus with some sound advice to ensure we keep within the law if we're thinking of new ones and reassuring disposal methods for our asbestos cement roofs. So all in all an excellent course - sobering at times, always interesting and stimulating - and really good fun!