Smallholdings are a popular way to increase self-sufficiency, and come in many shapes and sizes. Many people choose to keep a smallholding in order to ‘downshift’ to a calmer pace of life, and to ensure that their produce is healthy and fresh. From larger smallholdings with livestock to simply growing fruit and veg on a plot of land, this manual provides comprehensive advice on every aspect of the process. Even for the experienced smallholder, information about being wildlife-friendly and money-making ensure that this is an essential investment for the future of your smallholding.

The information is presented with clear, pictorial step-by-step guides to help make the most of smallholdings of every size and age.

• Choosing a smallholding: other smallholding books only advise on smallholding practice, rather than the first step of acquiring one.
• Location; how much land you need; common pitfalls.
• Preparation for a smallholding, including courses.
• Legal requirements, including registration and livestock movements.
• Essential equipment for maintaining a smallholding.
• Growing fruit and veg; related projects including siting a polytunnel and planting an orchard.
• Livestock: poultry, bees, sheep, goats, pigs and cattle; and even more unusual animals, such as alpacas and water buffalo.
• Growing feed for livestock: making silage/haylage, grassland care, fodder crops.
• Making money: direct sales, farmers’ markets, adding value, niche markets and artisan products.
• Wildlife-friendly farming: government subsidies; organic farming.