The Small Farm Training Group

Small Small Farmers - Keeping Quail for Pets & Eggs
2022-04-12 10:00 - 11:30 (Europe/London)
For our Small, Small Farmers, rearing quail are really super easy, and make a great pet to start out with - and best of all, they give you delicious, and nutritious eggs to eat too! Come and meet Debbie who leads our Small, Small Farmers, and who will lead the children as they meet with our resident quail expert on the farm.
Quail can be raised in small spaces, and so are the ideal livestock starter, not just for smallholders, but those with small gardens, or even just a balcony or patio, and they are a good starter bird for children. Great if you are a parent of a keen farmer, as they really don't take much looking after either!
We will look at the different type of quail to raise, how to care for your quail, and keep them so happy that they will lay you the most wonderful eggs. We will also look at the costs of raising these birds versus what they bring back, you could even increase your pocket mony by starting a little quail egg selling business. You will be given the chance to sample some quail eggs on this workshop too.
This workshop forms part of our Small, Small Farmers series, check out our diary of events to see what else we have for our younger farmers. There will be quail available to purchase on the day, as well as quail food, so please bring a box if you want to take some quail home.
* This workshop is set on a working smallholding and in a family kitchen environment where cats and dogs have been / are present - please inform the host of any issues or allergies.
Can't make this date? Event sold out? We will be running this course several times in 2022, please check our diary for other available times. Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.

An Introduction to Smallholding
2022-04-09 12:00 - 16:00
Perhaps you're about to take over a smallholding? Or are you relatively new to keeping land and animals? If so, perhaps you feel you'd like to talk the issues through with others in the same boat, and with someone who's been doing it for a while? If that sounds like you, then our "Introduction to smallholding" course is just the thing for you.
Come and spend the afternoon finding out what smallholding entails from a practical perspective, as you visit this 7 acre plot. Paul Lovatt Smith has been working on the land for over 15 years, and has a wealth of knowledge that he's happy to share, including

How to get started
What's involved with the paperwork and legal aspects, as well as the finances
A basic overview of keeping poultry, sheep, cattle and pigs
Growing veg
Making hay and growing small-scale cereals

Please note: this course will be held outdoors (and partly in a barn) - so please do wear suitable outdoors clothing, bearing in mind that in April it may well be cold and damp (or warm and sunny, boiling and dry, windy and snowing... you get the picture).
Can't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.

FREE TALK: Finding Treasures on Your Land
2022-04-08 19:30 - 21:30
Father and son Robin and Jamie Hodgkinson will explain the benefits of allowing responsible metal detecting on your land finding lost car keys, tools and metal parts, lost to historical artefacts etc. For instance, one farmer uses their services to clear his land of debris left after boot fairs and the like.
Robin and Jamie work closely with archeologists and have - with land-owners' consent - donated many items to the Lewes museum. They have also restored lost rings and other personal items to their grateful owners.
Friday 8th April at the Goward Hall, Cade Street, Heathfield TN21 9BU. Click here for directions.
Doors open at 7.30 for refreshments and chit-chat; talk starts at 8 pm and finishes at 9 pm or shortly thereafter.
The Half Moon pub opposite the hall is happy to supply 'take-out' drinks.
Booking is not essential but it would help us if you do in that we can then contact you in the case of last minute changes or cancellation.
NON-MEMBERS WELCOME AT THIS EVENT

Raising Meat Chickens For Eating - The Free Range Way
2022-04-06 19:15 - 21:15
Worried about the huge increase in rising food costs? Concerned that there may be food supply issues? or maybe you are just thinking that you would like to control what goes into your food? - Then you need to come on one of our workshops.
Learn the basics of raising free range "meat" chickens for home consumption. This isn't a case of simply eating your spare cockerels, but a workshop dedicated to rearing the types of birds that are specifically selectively bred for meat consumption. You can then produce your own free range chickens in your back garden or smallholding. Not only does this mean meat with with no chemicals or additives in your meat unless you put them there, but is a great way of rearing meat at less than a quarter of the cost of a buying one.
This workshop covers the rearing process from day old chicks, through to harvesting.
Raising your own meat chickens gives you complete food security, against supply issues, and huge increases in food pricing. They are also a good option for those just starting out in livestock production, who want to see if they can manage the realities of raising meat to eat. (it's not for everyone).
If you already keep garden chickens and are thinking meat birds can't be much different. THINK AGAIN.... There is so much more to raising a meat bird, if you have never done it, please book this workshop.
We will look at the different type of meat birds to raise, where to source your meat and table birds, the pricing at point of buying, how to care for your birds, giving your chicks the best possible start right from day old, minimising your mortality rates, and as you are rearing meat to eat, how to maximise your investment with maximum output.
Whilst some areas will be similar to raising normal garden chickens, there are massive differences in raising a meat bird, from the brooder, to the housing, the feeders, the waterers, let alone the meat production side to it. We will look at any problems to look out for when raising these meat birds, solutions, and top tips from an experienced grower.
We will also look at the costs of raising these birds versus what they are "worth" - you will be surprised !
This workshop forms part of our Food Security & Food Independence series, designed to help you become more self sufficient with your food options. For smallholders looking to increase income whilst living off of the land, we also give real life facts and figures on costings, which can all go towards a business plan if you are seeking an agricultural occupancy for a planning application.
Live chicks and chick crumb will available* to buy on this workshop - please bring a small box if you wish to purchase chicks. (If available* at the time)
* This workshop is set on a working smallholding and in a family kitchen environment where cats and dogs have been / are present - please inform the host of any allergies.
Can't make this date? Event sold out? We will be running this course several times in 2022, please check our diary for other available times. Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.

Raising Meat Chickens For Eating - The Free Range Way
2022-04-06 10:30 - 12:30
Worried about the huge increase in rising food costs? Concerned that there may be food supply issues? or maybe you are just thinking that you would like to control what goes into your food? - Then you need to come on one of our workshops. We are running this on 6th April - either come in the morning or evening, both workshops are the same. Not local to BN86JD? Come to the evening Zoom version, we want everyone rearing their own birds ….
Learn the basics of raising free range "meat" chickens for home consumption. This isn't a case of simply eating your spare cockerels, but a workshop dedicated to rearing the types of birds that are specifically selectively bred for meat consumption. You can then produce your own free range chickens in your back garden or smallholding. Not only does this mean meat with with no chemicals or additives in your meat unless you put them there, but is a great way of rearing meat at less than a quarter of the cost of a buying one.
This workshop covers the rearing process from day old chicks, through to harvesting.
Raising your own meat chickens gives you complete food security, against supply issues, and huge increases in food pricing. They are also a good option for those just starting out in livestock production, who want to see if they can manage the realities of raising meat to eat. (it's not for everyone).
If you already keep garden chickens and are thinking meat birds can't be much different. THINK AGAIN.... There is so much more to raising a meat bird, if you have never done it, please book this workshop.
We will look at the different type of meat birds to raise, where to source your meat and table birds, the pricing at point of buying, how to care for your birds, giving your chicks the best possible start right from day old, minimising your mortality rates, and as you are rearing meat to eat, how to maximise your investment with maximum output.
Whilst some areas will be similar to raising normal garden chickens, there are massive differences in raising a meat bird, from the brooder, to the housing, the feeders, the waterers, let alone the meat production side to it. We will look at any problems to look out for when raising these meat birds, solutions, and top tips from an experienced grower.
We will also look at the costs of raising these birds versus what they are "worth" - you will be surprised !
This workshop forms part of our Food Security & Food Independence series, designed to help you become more self sufficient with your food options. For smallholders looking to increase income whilst living off of the land, we also give real life facts and figures on costings, which can all go towards a business plan if you are seeking an agricultural occupancy for a planning application.
Live chicks and chick crumb will available* to buy on this workshop - please bring a small box if you wish to purchase chicks. (If available* at the time)
* This workshop is set on a working smallholding and in a family kitchen environment where cats and dogs have been / are present - please inform the host of any allergies.
Can't make this date? Event sold out? We will be running this course several times in 2022, please check our diary for other available times. Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.

Practical Lambing - Note change of date
2022-04-03 10:00 - 12:00
If you haven't lambed before consider also taking the SFTG Free Zoom Theory Course on Getting Ready For Lambing on 21st Feb 2022 at 7 p.m.

This workshop is for people who have little experience of lambing and/or people who are thinking of breeding sheep for the 1st time. It will take place in the lambing barn so bring clean boots and wear appropriate clothing (waterproof trousers if you have them). It will be a hands-on workshop, so be prepared to get mucky.
You will see an indoor lambing set-up and discuss what the ewe does before, during and after giving birth - possibly you may see a difficult presentation where intervention in the natural process is necessary.
Peter will also show you how to do all the jobs a good shepherd needs to do - getting the lamb to take its first breath, disinfecting navel cords, castrations, ear tagging, tube and bottle feeding. He will discuss how to cope with common problems like prolapses, fostering, turned in eyelids and bumble foot. You will learn how to prevent hypothermia and reduce infections.
Please do not come if you are pregnant. Parking at the farm is tight so please car share if possible.

An Introduction to Smallholding
2022-03-26 12:00 - 16:00
Perhaps you're about to take over a smallholding? Or are you relatively new to keeping land and animals? If so, perhaps you feel you'd like to talk the issues through with others in the same boat, and with someone who's been doing it for a while? If that sounds like you, then our "Introduction to smallholding" course is just the thing for you.
Come and spend the afternoon finding out what smallholding entails from a practical perspective, as you visit this 7 acre plot. Paul Lovatt Smith has been working on the land for over 15 years, and has a wealth of knowledge that he's happy to share, including

How to get started
What's involved with the paperwork and legal aspects, as well as the finances
A basic overview of keeping poultry, sheep, cattle and pigs
Growing veg
Making hay and growing small-scale cereals

Please note: this course will be held outdoors (and partly in a barn) - so please do wear suitable outdoors clothing, bearing in mind that in March it may well be cold and damp (or warm and sunny, boiling and dry, windy and snowing... you get the picture).
Can't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.

Willow Structures Workshop
2022-03-20 10:30 - 14:30
In this workshop you will learn basic willow weaving skills. You will cut your own willow stems and make a willow peony frame and a platter or other smaller object. New member, Richard Vidal, is going to be our tutor. He has recently retired from the civil service to spend more time with his passion for all things ‘willow’. He has grown his own willow for 18 years and produces beautiful sculptures, living willow structures, ornaments and baskets. This introductory workshop will cover the growing, harvesting, storage and dipping of dry willow into water to regain its innate flexibility.
Before his retirement Richard sold willow at Blackheath Farmers Market and started to teach willow weaving to community groups so understands the different levels of teaching required dependent on previous experience of working with cane, willow or other wood. Richard will start the day (indoors if weather inclement) with an introduction to the growing of willow and how to create colourful practical artistic objects. You will then harvest a mixture of red, yellow, green and maroon varieties of willow and create your own peony frame or similar structure. Some people may want to make garden structures outside whilst others may prefer being under cover or inside if cold.
For this workshop please dress warmly: waterproof gloves and leggings are useful and walking boots or wellies essential. Please bring secateurs (though spares are available). Bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided. Please leave your dog at home as it might slow you down in completing your creations, but if you have no dog sitter then you can bring your pet if it is well behaved and quiet.
Richard’s mobile is 07597 939668 and his email is richardhvidal@yahoo.co.uk. He is happy to discuss and explain what to expect at the workshop in more detail and to consider making adjustments for any disabilities or injuries. You can checkout Richard's work on his Instagram account here - Ticehurst Willow
Can't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.

Hedge Laying Workshop
2022-03-19 09:30 - 15:30
NOTE: THIS WORKSHOP WAS POSTPONED FROM 19 FEBFollowing our over-subscribed hedge laying day in November we are now repeating it for those who didn't get a place first time around.
The workshop will again be led by Bob Peate, who lays all the hedges at Wadhurst Park (and elsewhere).
You will learn how to tackle an overgrown hedge and turn it into a living stock-proof barrier. And all without multiple cuts and scratches!
There's a few items you should bring:
- a billhook*
- a pruning saw
- loppers
- suitable workwear and decent boots and gloves/gauntlets (you may be handling blackthorn, hawthorn, wild roses etc.)
- a pack lunch
Also, if you have them (though they will be provided):
- strimmer or slash hook
- sledgehammer or maul
- a small axe or side-axe
And, if you have one, please also bring a small chainsaw with spare fuel or battery + appropriate safety wear.
* Billhooks made by a blacksmith are generally far superior to those produced in a factory.
Can't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.

FREE TALK: Practical Fluid Therapy for Sheep and Goats
2022-03-18 19:30 - 21:30
Vet Tina Morris explains how to help animals when things start to go wrong - and how to keep them alive until the vet arrives!
For those with sheep Tina will also give some guidance on twin lamb disease and how to avoid it.
For those with goats she will talk about what to do in cases of poisoning.
She will bring a range of equipment and electrolytes to show (only available to purchase through vets).
Friday 18 March at the Goward Hall, Cade Street, Heathfield TN21 9BU. Click here for directions.
Doors open at 7.30 for refreshments and chit-chat; talk starts at 8 pm and finishes at 9 pm or shortly thereafter.
The Half Moon pub opposite the hall is happy to supply ‘take-out’ drinks.
Booking is not essential but it would help us if you do book in that we can then contact you in the case of last minute changes or cancellation.
NON-MEMBERS WELCOME AT THIS EVENT

Beginners Salami & Chorizo Making Workshop
2022-03-06 14:00 - 16:00
Learn the basics of making a simple salami and chorizo, from the stuffing, to the fermentation process, the curing, and ultimately turn your excess minced meat into a delicious shelf stable product that doesn't need refrigeration. Part of our food security and food independence series of workshops, this introduction to salami making will enable you to preserve excess pork and beef mince. into a delicious product at less than 30% of the price.
We will look at the different types of casing for the salami and chorizo, different ways and equipment used to stuff your casings, as well as what flavourings you can use to flavour your meat. We will then look at how to start the fermentation effectively, and how to cure your product at home without it going mouldy or the skin drying out. Using 500grams of Free Range Yaffingale Pork from Oxford Sandy & Black pigs, you will then make a 250g chorizo, and a 250g salami for you to take home, ferment and cure at home, and you will be eating this product within just 4 weeks. This workshop is designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to make much more at home.
During the duration of the workshop, you will have the opportunity to taste home made salami and chorizo*, made from the same mince you will be using from the rare breed Oxford Sandy & Black free range pigs reared here. Price includes 500grams of free range pork mince, as well as casings, flavourings, and everything you need to make and take home your own produce.
* This workshop is set in a family kitchen environment where cats and dogs have been / are present - Some salami's also contain nuts. Please inform the host of any allergies and do not put yourself at risk.
Can't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.

Tidy that Garden - Cancelled as the tutor is unwell
2022-03-06 10:00 - 14:30
Do you ever feel that your garden needs a bit of help? Jenny Cloke is a keen amateur gardener but with never enough time to keep on top of things and she is not very good at long-term planning.
Ron Welsh is a SFTG member who trained at Kew Gardens, lectured in horticulture for 25 years and is currently an examiner for the RHS.
He is going to discuss and demonstrate garden tasks relevant to winter maintenance and preparation for spring in our gardens. He will point out simple improvements such as how to use or moving a plant that could cause an injury to a child, positioning plants so they will look good after 10 years and some ideas on where plants will be happiest as well as how to make life easier for the gardener!
In this workshop Ron will also cover shrub pruning and dividing of herbaceous perennials.
We will start in the garden, take a break for lunch standing round the bonfire (hot lunch and drinks included in the workshop price) and then back to the garden.
Can't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.

Introduction to Keeping Pigs
2022-03-06 10:00 - 12:30
On our fun morning of pig keeping, you will learn about:

The legislation that governs both the keeping and movement of pigs – and what this means for the pig keeper
Selecting the right area within the smallholding to keep your pigs
Options for pig housing, and for bedding
Different types of fencing for keeping your pig contained
Selecting the right breed of pig for your needs, including where to source the right weaner
Handling your pig safely and completing basic health checks
What to feed your pigs from weaners through to slaughter, to ensure the correct fat coverage
Preparing your pigs for slaughter, choosing an abattoir and butcher
Selecting the right cuts for your needs

This workshop is run by none other than renowned pig expert Maria Naylor, former chair and former treasurer of SFTG, so you can be guaranteed a really enjoyable session.
Although this workshop is aimed predominantly at those of you raising your own home reared meat, much of the information will be just as relevant if you prefer to keep your pigs as pets.
Depending on the interests of those who come on the course, we may also cover such items as breeding and showing your pigs.
Can't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.

Raising Meat Chickens For Eating - The Free Range Way
2022-03-05 10:30 - 12:30
Learn the basics of raising free range "meat" chickens for home consumption. This isn't a case of simply eating your spare cockerels, but a workshop dedicated to rearing the types of birds that are specifically selectively bred for meat consumption. You can then produce your own free range chickens that you know have been truly free ranging, with no chemicals or additives in your meat unless you put them there. This workshop covers the rearing process from day old chicks, to 7 weeks of age.
Raising your own meat chickens can give you food security and food independence, and are a good option for those just starting out in livestock production, who want to see if they can manage the realities of raising meat to eat.
We will look at the different type of meat birds to raise, where to source day old chicks, pricing, as well as the most suitable housing, how to maximise production for meat, which are the best feeders and waterers to use to minimise waste, and how to make feeders and waterers, as well as any problems to look out for when raising these meat birds. We will also look at the costs of raising these birds versus what they are "worth".
This workshop forms part of our Food Security & Food Independence series, designed to help you become more self sufficient with your food options. For smallholders looking to increase income whilst living off of the land, we also give real life facts and figures on costings, which can all go towards a business plan if you are seeking an agricultural occupancy for a planning application.
Live chicks and chick crumb will available* to buy on this workshop - please bring a small box if you wish to purchase chicks. (If available* at the time)
* This workshop is set on a working smallholding and in a family kitchen environment where cats and dogs have been / are present - please inform the host of any allergies.
Can't make this date? Event sold out? We will be running this course several times in 2022, please check our diary for other available times. Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.

Beginners Salami & Chorizo Making Workshop FULL
2022-02-27 14:00 - 16:00
Learn the basics of making a simple salami and chorizo, from the stuffing, to the fermentation process, the curing, and ultimately turn your excess minced meat into a delicious shelf stable product that doesn't need refrigeration. Part of our food security and food independence series of workshops, this introduction to salami making will enable you to preserve excess pork and beef mince. into a delicious product at less than 30% of the price.
We will look at the different types of casing for the salami and chorizo, different ways and equipment used to stuff your casings, as well as what flavourings you can use to flavour your meat. We will then look at how to start the fermentation effectively, and how to cure your product at home without it going mouldy or the skin drying out. Using 500grams of Free Range Yaffingale Pork from Oxford Sandy & Black pigs, you will then make a 250g chorizo, and a 250g salami for you to take home, ferment and cure at home, and you will be eating this product within just 4 weeks. This workshop is designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to make much more at home.
During the duration of the workshop, you will have the opportunity to taste home made salami and chorizo*, made from the same mince you will be using from the rare breed Oxford Sandy & Black free range pigs reared here. Price includes 500grams of free range pork mince, as well as casings, flavourings, and everything you need to make and take home your own produce.
* This workshop is set in a family kitchen environment where cats and dogs have been / are present - Some salami's also contain nuts. Please inform the host of any allergies and do not put yourself at risk.
This is a popular workshop and is running again on Sunday 6th March, and will run again in the Autumn. Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again at the end of the summer.

FREE! - Getting Ready for Lambing - Online with Zoom
2022-02-22 19:00 - 20:00
This is a theory workshop with lots of pictures and it is recommended that you watch on a PC monitor rather than a phone screen if you can. The advantage of a Zoom course is that there is no travelling and you can drink as much coffee (or alcohol) as you want while you listen!
Jenny has had been lambing for more than 20 years. She will help you prepare for this exciting time. She will include the pros and cons of indoor vs outdoor lambing, what happens during lambing and when to intervene, how to care for the ewe and lamb after lambing. She will also cover the equipment that you need. Common problems at lambing time will be discussed. There will also be a question and answer session at the same time on the following day - so email her using the following link email our training organiser after this Zoom event and we can cover your questions and comments on the 23rd Feb at 7 p.m. (if you book on this event you will also receive a link for the event on the 23rd Feb, but if you don't want to come, just don't click on the Zoom link). This year we are also running a practical lambing morning with Peter Froggatt which is highly recommended if you are new to lambing (it is a separate event on our website).

FREE TALK: Wildlife and Farming - The Next Decade
2022-02-18 19:30 - 21:30
Our speaker, Martin Hole, farms at Montague on the wetlands of the Pevensey Levels in East Sussex. Part family-owned and part rented, the 300ha (740acres) organic enterprise provides a home to about 150 cattle and nearly 2,000 head of sheep, with a small diversification into residential property and a fledgling green tourism business.
Montague is also home to 216 species of birds and 120 of flies as well as thousands of wild flowers. A long-standing relationship with Natural England has yielded a partially enwilded landscape with many developing habitats.
A former RSPB UK Lapwing Champion, Martin remains fascinated by the provision of wilderness whilst trying to keep the farm intact for his three daughters, this is a fascinating talk detailing how he does and it's throughly enjoyable.

Friday 18th February at the Goward Hall, Cade Street, Heathfield TN21 9BU. Click here for directions.
Doors open at 7.30 for refreshments and chit-chat; talk starts at 8 pm and finishes at 9 pm or shortly thereafter.
The Half Moon pub opposite the hall is happy to supply ‘take-out’ drinks.
This is event is FREE and NON-MEMBERS WELCOME. Booking is not essential but it is helpful if you book your place so that we can ensure there are enough refreshments, and that we can get in touch should the event be cancelled due to speaker illness or other unforeseen circumstances.

FREE! Vitamin & Mineral Deficiencies and Excesses in Sheep - Online with Zoom
2022-02-07 19:00 - 20:00
This is a theory workshop with lots of pictures and it is recommended that you watch on a PC monitor rather than a phone screen if you can. The advantage of a Zoom course is that there is no travelling and you can drink as much coffee (or alcohol) as you want while you listen!
Jenny has had sheep for more for more than 20 years. Most of the time sheep are hardy animals but they do suffer from various vitamin and mineral deficiencies and excesses and these are most noticeable when sheep are stressed. Lambing is a very stressful time for the ewe and the new born lamb (and probably equally as stressful for the shepherd!) so this is why we are running the workshop in the run up to lambing time. Prevention is always better than cure and Jenny will cover common ailments and what you can do about them. There will also be a question and answer session at the same time on the following day - so email Jenny using the following link email our training organiser after this Zoom event and we can cover your questions and comments on the 8th Feb at 7 p.m. (if you book on this event you will also receive a link for the event on the 8th Feb, but if you don't want to come, just don't click on the Zoom link). This year we are also running another Free Zoom workshop Lambing Theory on 22nd February (Q & A 23rd Feb) and also a practical lambing morning with Peter Froggatt which is highly recommended if you are new to lambing (they are bookable on our website - you need to be a member of the SFTG for the practical lambing).

Willow Workshop
2022-01-29 10:30 - 16:00
In this workshops you will learn basic willow weaving skills. You will cut your own willow stems and make a willow obelisk or peony frame and other smaller objects.
New member, Richard Vidal, is going to be our tutor. He has recently retired from the civil service to spend more time with his passion for all things ‘willow’. He has grown his own willow for 18 years and produces beautiful sculptures, living willow structures, ornaments and baskets. This introductory workshop will cover the growing, harvesting, storage and dipping of dry willow into water to regain its innate flexibility.
Before his retirement Richard sold willow at Blackheath Farmers Market and started to teach willow weaving to community groups so understands the different levels of teaching required dependent on previous experience of working with cane, willow or other wood.
Richard will start the day (indoors if weather inclement) with an introduction to the growing of willow and how to create colourful practical artistic objects. You will then harvest a mixture of red, yellow, green and maroon varieties of willow and create your own garden obelisk, frame or smaller structure. Some people may want to make garden structures outside whilst others may prefer being under cover or inside if cold.
For this workshop please dress warmly: waterproof gloves and leggings are useful and walking boots or wellies essential. Please bring secateurs (though spares are available). If you have a large car or roof rack this will be useful for transporting larger creations. If you can't fit an obelisk in your car we will endeavour to find someone nearby who can deliver it in due course.
Bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Please leave your dog at home as it might slow you down in completing your creations, but if you have no dog sitter then you can bring your pet if it is well behaved and quiet.
Richard’s mobile is 07597 939668 and his email is richardhvidal@yahoo.co.uk. He is happy to discuss and explain what to expect at the workshop in more detail and to consider making adjustments for any disabilities or injuries.
Can't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.

Dehydrating For Beginners
2022-01-23 10:30 - 13:00
Learn to dehydrate food for storage - Workshop with Denise Taylor
If you have ever wondered how to dehydrate, what you can dehydrate, and how to do it, Denise has all the answers. An avid dehydrator, she will talk us through why we do it, and how to do it successfully. You will learn how to make delicious Fruit Leathers, tasty Beef Jerky, and your own chilli powder, as well as vegetables for storage - all from the comfort of the kitchen table. We will even learn how to make our own healthy pot noodles!
We will also discuss the various ways to store your dehydrated produce, and have practical hand on experience using a vacuum sealer.
There will be plenty samples and tasting as well as practical hands on experience. This workshop is open to members and non members. This course is part of our "food preservation" training, you can also learn in our other workshops how to preserve food using a water bath canner, and pressure canning for beginners, both of which produce shelf stable food without the need for refrigeration.
Can't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.

FREE TALK: Keeping Rheas (not ostriches!)
2022-01-21 19:30 - 21:30
Pauline Burnett-Dick will tell us all about keeping these fascinating birds, their role in ground clearance, in pasture management and as fox deterrents. Pauline keeps her own and they are wonderful birds, and her talk in very engaging.
There will also be plenty of time for catching up with other members - if you would like to bring goods or produce for sale, please do so, and likewise bring some cash in case you want to purchase something.
Friday January 21st at the Goward Hall, Cade Street, Heathfield TN21 9BU. Click here for directions.
Doors open at 7.30 for refreshments and chit-chat; talk starts at 8 pm and finishes at 9 pm or shortly thereafter.
The Half Moon pub opposite the hall is happy to supply ‘take-out’ drinks.
Booking is not essential but it would help us if you do in that we can then contact you in the case of last minute changes or cancellation.
NON-MEMBERS WELCOME AT THIS EVENT

Stock Fencing
2022-01-15 10:00 - 15:00
Have you ever considered livestock fencing?
If you have or are considering keeping animals or doing horticulture, you will find it invaluable being able to do some or all your own stock fencing. Even if you don’t there will undoubtedly be times fences will need repairs!

This is a course where you will learn the rudiments of erecting and fixing stock fencing.
We shall look at the basic tools needed and the sorts of fencing and posts.
It will be a ‘hands on’ course.’

Ruminant Herbal Health - A brief Introduction with Kate Scott BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine
2026-03-06 07:21
Ruminant Herbal Health – A brief Introduction 13th May 10-2pm
With Medical herbalist and farmer Kate Scott BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine
As a farmer and shepherdess I have always had a keen interest in self selection in ruminants, and when I studied herbal medicine it gave me a much greater understanding of how the phytochemicals contained in plants work within not just the human body but within animals too. I started to understand how for example tannins help control worm burden with their astringent properties, and how other plant chemicals and micro nutrients in diverse pasture can help boost immunity within the flock or herd.
This workshop will encompass native British plants found in meadows, hedgerows and herbal leys and explain how they can help ruminant health , with a herb walk to identify plants and talk about them in the field after a talk and an after lunch hands on workshop making simple first aid remedies with a handout and plenty of opportunity to ask questions throughout the day
Please bring a notebook and pen and outdoor gear for the farm/herbal walk, packed lunch

Directions: We are half way between Robertsbridge and Brightling on the Brightling Road. You cannot see the house/farm from the road but we have a laid hedge along the roadside with our gateway in the middle. We are next door to Swallowfield Farm, the satnav will take you past so please look out for Swallowfield Farm, we are on the Robertsbridge side of Swallowfield.
