Introduction to Smallholding course
£95.00
A one day smallholding course on the 12 acre Dalmore Croft in Angus, aimed at those interested in getting started in smallholding but who are not quite sure where to start. This is a small group course, limited to 6 participants.
Spend the day meeting the livestock – sheep, pigs, cattle, poultry for meat and eggs – learning about what each enterprise involves, how much time and money they take, and what regulations are involved.
We’ll cover the vegetable and fruit gardens, our 80-tree apple orchard, bees, equipment and machinery, fencing, and more. It’s a packed day!
It’s the perfect introduction to those who have just started, or are thinking or starting smallholding.
Description
A one day smallholding course on the 12 acre Dalmore Croft in Angus, aimed at those interested in getting started in smallholding but who are not quite sure where to start.
Hosted by Rosemary & Dan Champion who started smallholding in 2000, with no previous experience. We now keep poultry for eggs and meat, pigs, sheep, cattle and bees in addition to growing fruit (soft and top) and vegetables – so we’ve been where you are.
Introduction to Smallholding course overview
Using our smallholding as a living, working example, we’ll look at each of the enterprises in turn:
- Poultry for eggs and meat
- Cattle
- Sheep & lambs
- Pigs
- Vegetables, soft fruit and top fruit (orchard)
- Bees
- Selling produce
- Fencing
- Grassland management
- Tools and equipment
We will also spend some time in the classroom looking at the common enterprises we don’t have, like goats and camelids.
This smallholding course is intended to be a “warts and all” overview so that you can make an informed choice about whether smallholding is for you and if it is, what you might want to do with yours.
Price, payment and booking
The course costs £95 per person, including VAT. Lunch and refreshments are included, mostly home-grown and produced, for example roast Dalmore chicken with freshly baked bread, fresh scones and home-made jam. You won’t go home hungry!
Book by selecting a date and adding to basket – payment is via PayPal or BACS.
Reviews (22)
22 reviews for Introduction to Smallholding course
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Karen F –
I felt the course was excellent. Lots of things were covered from legislation and paperwork to worming poultry! It was very well balanced and as a newcomer to smallholding was very informative and what I needed to know. A lot of information to take in but the notes are helpful.
I found the course very helpful. It has clarified things for me and enabled me to move forwards with my smallholding plans with confidence.
I found both Rosemary and Dan very welcoming and motivational, thank you!
Jan B –
As an introduction it was just perfect, it was a ‘taster session’ and I didn’t expect to come away knowing everything about being a smallholder. Thank you for such an inspiring day, it was lovely to meet everyone.
Hamish and Sue –
I thought it was xcellent and covered what we needed.
Well done very enjoyable
Sharon M –
I really enjoyed the Introduction to Smallholding course, it helped me to decide what I can do and what will be less manageable for me.
Fiona & Tasha –
Everything was covered that we expected. As an introduction, all the relevant info was provided.
Already booked in for the sheep and we are now sold on raising our own chickens for meat!
Helen D –
It was a really great overview and covered everything i was hoping for.
We had a really great day, fantastic hosts and great food, was a real pleasure.
Lynne & Darren –
The course was jam packed – there was no slacking! We were learning all day and I’d say it is pretty much perfect!
Darren and I had a great time. I’d say the course is totally worth the money and we found it so interesting and were so jealous of your set up. You’ve worked hard to get where you are and it’s really inspiring! Thank you so much! x
Matthew B –
Extremely warm welcome and was made to feel welcome especially. The course gave me even more inspiration to become a small holder.
Everything was great, you where very happy to continue after the time allocated. The after notes that where emailed to me the next day bolstered my learning!
Thank you very much.
John & Julie C –
Excellent course, the right amount of information to cover at this stage and you were very much open to us picking your brains which was extremely helpful. The scones and lovely lunch didn’t hurt either!
Lucy C –
Thanks for catering to our individual needs while telling us what we needed to know. Couldn’t be improved, it was perfect.
Alma –
Your course was hugely enjoyable and useful and it was lovely meeting and talking to the both of you (and Meg and the cats)! I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Looking forward to seeing you again at a future course or smallholding festival.
Fiona S –
From my perspective it was pitched at the right level, with enough depth to help me really think about how I want to take things forward (or not). It also was a catalyst for further questions which can only be a good thing. A great introduction and taster for those of us who haven’t started yet. But also some of the practical planning info was great for the stuff we want to do e.g. we are now going to set up our veggie area this winter ready for planting next year!
John M –
All topics were relevant and really interesting – you are both clearly passionate about the smallholding which is really inspiring. It was interactive and you both received and answered questions throughout really well.
All round this was a great day. You do a really good job of making everyone comfortable and your knowledge and passion about your subjects is very clear. We will be getting our green gauges planted this winter! Thanks for a great day.
Pamela D –
Thoroughly enjoyed the day. Thanks
Marco –
An enjoyable day. it gave me some insight in to certain aspects of smallholding and inspired me to continue looking into future possibilities.
Andy B –
I found your place to welcoming and relaxed and a definite help towards running my small holding.
Lynn –
I must say I loved the schedule and single day. Many courses would only run from 10 til 4, with lots of ‘loose’ subject matter, but I thought the structured focus that you both ran, and the longer day, was fabulous!
I’d attend a course on how to make a cup of tea if you both ran it! Very open, warm and approachable couple with a wealth of hands on experience.
Great stuff guys. Affordable price and fab team work.
Lyn L –
Thanks for a great course, it really helped us realise that we’re up for this and want to make it happen!
John B –
The course was excellent. I honestly can’t think of anything that needs improving for the level of people attending. Thank you very much for the enthusiasm which certainly rubbed off on us and everyone else I think.
Alistair –
the course was excellent. It has greatly helped us with planning our own smallholding, and your enthusiasm was infectious. Thanks very much!
Fia –
Thank you for a great day!
Eddie F –
The tone of the day was perfect in terms of the openness and welcome that was offered all who came, and could not have been more supportive in terms of offering to remain in touch and to share experience and advice.