The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Introduce yourself => Topic started by: Mary B on March 05, 2009, 11:08:30 pm

Title: Courses? And hello
Post by: Mary B on March 05, 2009, 11:08:30 pm: Hello everyone

Does anyone know of any courses aimed at smallholders in Wales/S W England? I'm teetering on the brink, but feel I'd like to learn more before I really get going - so far we have chickens/some veggies/a bit of experience with pigs/plenty with horses (although some time ago). I'd like to know more about sheep and alpacas and producing our own hay for a start. Anyone got any ideas/advice?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Courses? And hello
Post by: HappyHippy on March 06, 2009, 10:29:58 am: Hello & welcome to the forum from Scotland ;D

I don't know of any courses but found this-
http://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/events/thedms.aspx?dms=13&feature=1&venue=1022901&easi=true (http://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/events/thedms.aspx?dms=13&feature=1&venue=1022901&easi=true)
It sounds like the ideal place for a day out & lots of info - wish I was a bit closer !
Title: Re: Courses? And hello
Post by: Fluffywelshsheep on March 06, 2009, 06:59:12 pm: try your local agricultural colleges, By total guessing with the direction your saying your on or near the border of wales/england, some places for you to try but could totally be in the wrong direction

home lacy in herefordshire http://www.hct.ac.uk/College/hl_campus.html

Coleg Gwent http://www.coleggwent.ac.uk/ look for the usk campus(my old college) this is mainly land based subject

or you could phone them up and ask for help and they should beable to help you out

another place to look is your loal library as they might be able to help you out.

Hope this helps
Linz

edit also like happyhippy said the ROYAL WELSH SMALLHOLDER & GARDEN FESTIVAL is a real good place to get advise and information from the last time i was there, lots of people from all over the UK where there including down from the orkneys and Sheltand isle. Well worth a visit and campping on site also availble
Title: Re: Courses? And hello
Post by: Mary B on March 06, 2009, 08:21:12 pm: Thanks both - that's really helpful. Lots of exploring to do.
Title: Re: Courses? And hello
Post by: gavo on March 06, 2009, 10:31:56 pm: Hello,
My experience of Alpacas is that they are very expensive and die all too readily despite regular dosing and vitamins. If you're looking at them for the wool I'd recommend merino sheep or angora goats instead. Having said that they are very nice animals to have around.

Cheers

Gavin
Title: Re: Courses? And hello
Post by: Rosemary on March 07, 2009, 01:43:40 pm: Hi Mary and welcome.

I don't knwo how true thsi is but I was told that alpacas are a good way of getting planning permission - being very high value stock, you have a strong argument for living on site.

This may, of course, be an urban myth.
Title: Re: Courses? And hello
Post by: Hilarysmum on March 08, 2009, 09:24:00 am: Hello and welcome. Our local Mayor keeps llamas. Unfortunately he is right next to the river and we often see them paddling in the lower part of their field. Odd I had never imagined they would like water.
Title: Re: Courses? And hello
Post by: claireS on March 08, 2009, 02:57:39 pm: Hello Where are u - I am also in the SW, Forest of Dean and am getting a couple of orphan lambs soon after starting with chickens last year.