Just found this site while searching for a North Dorset Smallholding Group - did find a thread here - but would love to know if it ever took off?
I have a smallholding approx 7 acres and moved down here 2 years ago from London - having worked with Diamonds I now deal with poop and mud - hummm
I have started off slowly (very slowly!), first got 3 ducks and 3 chickens while in London - which all moved down with me and have been adding over the last two years (while dad has frantically built more sheds) - I now have a lot more chickens, a couple of cockerels, more ducks inc: rare breed shetlands, lots of naughty Guinea Fowl, rare breed geese (west of england and pilgrims), 6 Shetland sheep - and 3 Quail.
Have had fun and disappointment incubating eggs and learnt lots over the past two years - especially about chickens (as has the local vet!) - being a veggie - my animals are pets though I am working on finding a way for them all to start making some money - I currently sell eggs and that pays for their food - so any thoughts would be great!
My fields were rented out but next year am hoping to try hay making - would like a couple of weaners (have ark), and hopefully two of my sheep are now pregnant and there will be the patter of more shetland sheep and am very interested in having a couple of Llamas - though price will play a big part in that dream!
Looking forward to reading more and getting lots of info!