darkwoodali Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 Has anyone been on any smallholding courses they can recommend? The OH and I are thinking of going down this route but want to make sure we've done our homework first so ideally need a complete beginners course. I've googled and there are lots of courses out there but always nice to hear a recommendation. We're based in Oxfordshire but can travel. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGirlsMum Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 How strange.......I've just booked up a weekend course for 5th/6th March in Okehampton Devon. Its really reasonable and they have lots of courses available and they are backed by Duchy college. If you want the website etc PM me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 I may have imagined it but am sure Lesley went on a course about Lambing(?) at an agric college. They're in Warwick so not too far from you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 The lambing course we attended was at Moreton Morrell college near Warwick. http://www.warwickshire.ac.uk/ They seem to have a smallholder course starting on 5 May........ We did a pig keeping course with Tony York at Pig Paradise - he was in Staffs but has moved now, a quick Google should find him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 The lambing course we attended was at Moreton Morrell college near Warwick.http://www.warwickshire.ac.uk/ Would you recommend that course Lesley? Its a bit of money but I guess that would be less than calling the vet out if we get a problem so I am wavering! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 Do you mean the 1 day lambing course? - it was excellent, theory in the morning and practical all afternoon. I checked on the smallholding course - £200 for 2 hours a week over 10 weeks - seemed a bit steep considering the number of topics covered......it equates to one 2 hour evening per topic I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 Thanks Lesley, yes that was the one I meant - I may well book myself in on that one then Sorry to hijack the thread Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Jaimie Olivers friend Jimmy has a prog this week about a crash course in farming. I think its tommorrow night not sure. I was moaning to OH as we never see these things advertised for volunteers - cant see work letting me have 5 weeks off Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkwoodali Posted January 31, 2011 Author Share Posted January 31, 2011 Yep, it's on Tuesday night on BBC2 at 8pm. Will definitely be watching, bound to be at least one "comedy" couple! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 I saw it posted on a couple of places about looking for volunteers + couples early last year if its on tomorrow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 We'll be watching - and I'll more than likely be shouting There's not much you can find out in 5 weeks.......but then i suppose it makes good TV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted February 1, 2011 Share Posted February 1, 2011 The getting up early would kill me - 6am is my limit - not a morning person. i'm sure you "real farmers" will have something to say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted February 2, 2011 Share Posted February 2, 2011 Watched the above programme - no chickens - found it slightly silly actually - will watch again just to see how it peters out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Just skimmed through watching Episode 2 of A Farmer's Life For Me ... not really what a typical farmers life is like but it makes good telly! Looking forward to next weeks - shepherding The getting up early would kill me - 6am is my limit - not a morning person. i'm sure you "real farmers" will have something to say. I'm not a real farmer either but sorted out some more Lambing for this year, earlier (Was surprisingly hard to find, considering I'm in Wales ) Doing the night shift - 8pm-6am, and then have lectures all day! Can't wait though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
