The Small Farm Training Group

Strawberry Tea - cancelled as the fox has taken all the strawberries!
2022-07-16 15:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | East Sussex
Last year we visited Tess and Simon Gray and it was so enjoyable that they have invited us again. We started the afternoon eating homegrown strawberries along with strawberry jam and scones (which are Simon's speciality!) It was such fun sitting outside scoffing scones and catching up with everyone after a miserable Covid winter.
Tess and Simon used to grow strawberries for sale at the farm gate and Pick Your Own. Now they just grow them for family and friends - and of course we are friends! They will tell you how to get started if you want to grow them for profit, or if it is just for yourself which varieties to grow and how to care for your plants and protect them from any vermin that also like strawberries!
As well as a productive strawberry plot Tess and Simon also grow lots of vegetables, fruit and flowers. Tess is a keen flower arranger so come and see which plants make for pretty arrangements, she usually has beautiful sweet peas, roses and dahlias. There is always a bit of a competition between the tomatoes and vegetables grown in Simon's greenhouse and those that Tess grows in the new greenhouse - so come and see who is winning this year.
After walking round the garden we will probably walk through part of the Gray's 90 acre farm and admire their ponds, hedges and pasture. We may also see sheep as their land is let to a local shepherd.
This Event is Cancelled Because a Fox has Stolen all the Strawberries and there are None Left for SFTG!

FREE TALK: Wildlife and Farming - The Next Decade
2022-07-15 19:30 - 21:30
(This meeting was postponed from February)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.

Meet the members Simon and Rachael Bishop
2022-07-03 15:00 - 17:00
Simon and Rachael have lived on their 28 acre smallholding near Heathfield for 12 years and joined the SGTG in 2011. They run a business in Tunbridge Wells and the farm is run in their “spare” time. The majority of the ground is permanent pasture that is grazed by their sheep. Other livestock that they keep are Pigs (although currently they are all in the freezer) Geese, Chickens for eggs and meat, bantams, turkeys and a Shetland pony called Bovril. They are keen beekeepers with 5-6 hives currently. 5 years ago they bought an adjoining Victorian walled garden that was completely rundown and overgrown with brambles and trees 6-8 feet high. This is now a productive flower and vegetable garden. Simon and Rachael are about 90% self-sufficient on meat and vegetables.

"Learn How To Milk Goats" Workshop
2022-06-30 18:00 - 20:00
Join Rowena & Amos Topping as they teach their goat milking skills, the 9 strong Topping family have been enjoying keeping dairy goats for over a year on their one acre smallholding in Hailsham. They have two adult dairy goats of different breeds – one is a British Saanen (Willow), and the other is a British Toggenburg (Chestnut). Chestnut had two kids back in March – one male and one female.
They milk twice daily, Dan and the oldest 4 children taking turns on milking duty. The milk is a popular family choice!
Once the kids are weaned the family hope to soon develop a cheese recipe and also become self sufficient in yoghurt.
On this beginners milking goat workshop, you will start with a tour of the goat barn and pasture, followed by a talk on the basics of keeping dairy goats. This includes information about housing, nutrition, health and the actual milking. There will be a demonstration of hand-milking with top tips on the correct set up to ensure calm goat on the milking stand, and ingenious DIY design of a milking stand. You will then have the chance to try milking one of the goats yourself, it's harder than it looks to get it right! The workshop also covers how to correctly sterilise dairy equipment, filter the milk to ensure optimum taste and cool the milk efficiently.
The session will start at 6:00pm and finish around 8:00pm - this is to tie in with the evening milking time of the goats.
Tea, coffee and cake are included.
This workshop is running on two dates, Thursday 30th June and Saturday 6th August, if when you try to book both dates are full, please "buy" an interest ticket (FREE) and we will try and put this course on again in July or August.

Midsummer Members BBQ
2022-06-26 12:00 - 15:00
This years Mid-Summer BBQ is being graciously hosted by Pauline & Colin Burnett-Dick on their stunning farm in Hartfield, right on the edge of the Ashdown Forest. This is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with fellow members, meet new ones, and generally have a good old catch up whilst enjoying the stunning grounds of their lovely home. As usual we will be eating gorgeous food, sourced locally, and often supplied by one or two of our members, so you know the food will be good!

As well as a lovely meet up, there will be a tour of the grounds, you will get to meet the famous Rheas, view the vegetable polytunnel, see the growing garden, as well as watch the chickens & ducks enjoying the water. For those that are feeling brave, the outdoor swimming pool will be open, so bring our swimwear and a towel, and jump straight in!

The BBQ is a subsidised members (and their families) event, ticket are £5 per person. (You are welcome to bring a non member as a paying guest, but they do need to come with a member).

Soft drinks will be provided but please bring your own wine, beer etc as required.
*Please use the Comment box when booking to tell us about any vegetarian or other dietary requirements

Sheep Shearing for Beginners
2022-06-18 13:00 - 16:00
This is a hands on practical workshop for people who would like to learn how to shear sheep. There will be a maximum of 4 students on this workshop, so Mark can teach both hand shearing as well as electrical shearing if this is what attendees would like. He will also teach you how to roll fleeces and how to dag animals. As there as so few people on this workshop there will be ample time for each person to have a go.
This course is for those who are competent at handling sheep. You must have a good level of fitness and stamina due to the physical nature of the course.

Mark is not quite sure where his sheep will be on 18th June and if there is going to be rain we will need to be under cover, so more details later, but it will be near Danehill.

Free Talk - Peter Hall from the Rural Crime Team
2022-06-17 19:30 - 21:30
Rural crime is an issue for large areas of the country but it tends to go unreported. It covers agricultural, environmental, heritage and wildlife crime as well as dog theft. It can impact on insurance premiums and food prices and damage local communities. Find out what rural crime is and what can be done to prevent issues such as dog attacks, livestock rustling, machinery theft and vandalism. Our speaker is Peter Hall is from the newly reinforced Rural Crime Team of Sussex Police which is based in Heathfield and in Midhurst.
If there is something in particular that you would like covered please email meetings@sftg.org.uk so that we can inform our speaker.
Friday 17th June 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.

South of England Show 2022
2022-06-10 09:00 - 2022-06-12 18:00
This is the largest and most popular agricultural show in the south-east of England. There is lots to see for everyone - some come to find out more about agriculture, many just come for the shopping experience! It's a fun day out with lots of animals in the show ring and many events taking place. The SFTG has a stand to promote smallholding and to inform the public about our group. We usually get some new members join at the event.
We will need volunteers to help with this event. You don't have to be an expert in smallholding but you should like talking to people and telling them what a wonderful group we are! It's easy because we have lots of pictures of events that we have run and information sheets for people who need more details about a topic. There are usually 2 or 3 people on the stand at anyone time so usually if you don't know the answer to a question someone else does!
Interested? Please email Paul Lovatt Smith for more information.

South of England Show 2022 - Members Meet Up & Volunteer
2022-06-10 08:00 - 2022-06-12 17:15
Can we beat the 2021 South of England show? ......... Come and meet your fellow members and your SFTG committee during the 3 day South of England Show 2022. If you are showing your animals, selling your goods, or just coming along to see what's new in 2022, this is without doubt the place to come if you are interested in smallholding, rural life, or country pursuits in the South East of England with over 150 acres dedicated to all things rural.
We would love you to come and say hello, use the SFTG stand as your central base, and no doubt we will have some tea and coffee on hand and some chairs to rest your legs. We had a very successful 2021 at the South of England Show, recruiting a record breaking 19 new members over the 3 days period. Paul and his team of volunteers promoted the group tirelessly, and we all had a thoroughly fabulous event.
Fancy helping out? - We really appreciate having some some extra help on any of the event days, where we not just create a base for members to meet and mingle, but we also try and recruit new members to join the Small Farm Training Group. Who better to say how great we are, than the current members themselves! If you are going to the show and would be happy to come to the stand for an hour or so, we would be really, really grateful! All you need is the ability to smile, hand out a leaflet, and answer any questions prospective members may have, essentially, spread the Small Farm Training Group love.
Happy to lend a hand? Please email Paul Lovatt Smith who is kindly taking responsibility for our SFTG stand at all the agricultural shows this year.

Meet The Member - Denise Taylor - Hope Spring
2022-06-01 19:00 - 21:00
Meet The Member - Evening Event
There is probably nothing that Denise Taylor cannot do. Passionate about self sufficiency, Denise is a newcomer to the world of smallholding, having realised her dream in September 2020, thanks to a legacy left to her by her late father. Her smallholding is named in his honour in fact. Denise has been upgrading a field used as a dumping ground for 30 years into a smallholding - come and see this work in progress!
Denise thrives on growing her own fruit and veg, and is loving raising her own animals for happy, free range meat. She is also the queen of preserves, whether that is dehydrating, making jams or chutney, or a delicious jerky. She is also no stranger to dispatching her own meat birds, or processing game birds, as well as taking on the mammoth task of butchering a whole pig!
If there is ever an apocalypse, you need to have Denise as a friend, she will make sure you don't go hungry.
Denise is also one of "Member Tutors" for 2022, she will be sharing her knowledge on dehydrating foods and also pickles.
*Please note that this event will be held in mainly outside, so please dress appropriately on the day. Standard tea and coffee will be served, if you have any special milk requirements, dietary needs please bring your own and we will happily serve it for you. You are welcome to bring your own snacks too. (there are no food options available on site). You are coming to a very rural smallholding with basic / no facilities.

Meet The Member - Denise Taylor - Hope Spring
2022-06-01 19:00 - 21:00
Meet The Member - Evening Event
There is probably nothing that Denise Taylor cannot do. Passionate about self sufficiency, Denise is a newcomer to the world of smallholding, having realised her dream in September 2020, thanks to a legacy left to her by her late father. Her smallholding is named in his honour in fact. Denise has been upgrading a field used as a dumping ground for 30 years into a smallholding - come and see this work in progress!
Denise thrives on growing her own fruit and veg, and is loving raising her own animals for happy, free range meat. She is also the queen of preserves, whether that is dehydrating, making jams or chutney, or a delicious jerky. She is also no stranger to dispatching her own meat birds, or processing game birds, as well as taking on the mammoth task of butchering a whole pig!
If there is ever an apocalypse, you need to have Denise as a friend, she will make sure you don't go hungry.
Denise is also one of "Member Tutors" for 2022, she will be sharing her knowledge on dehydrating foods and also pickles.
*Please note that this event will be held in mainly outside, so please dress appropriately on the day. Standard tea and coffee will be served, if you have any special milk requirements, dietary needs please bring your own and we will happily serve it for you. You are welcome to bring your own snacks too. (there are no food options available on site). You are coming to a very rural smallholding with basic / no facilities.
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.

Heathfield Show 2022 - Members Meet Up
2022-05-28 08:00 - 17:15
Come and meet your fellow members and your SFTG committee during the 75th Anniversary of the popular Heathfield Agricultural Show. If you are showing your animals, selling your goods, or just coming along to see what's new in 2022, this is without doubt the place to come if you are interested in smallholding, rural life, or country pursuits in the High Weald area. Please feel free to come and say hello, use your SFTG stand as your central base, and no doubt have some tea and coffee on hand and some chairs to rest your legs. With the event cancelled for the past two years, we are all very excited to see The Heathfield Show back for 2022.
Fancy helping out? - We really appreciate having some some extra help on the day, and try and recruit new members to join the Small Farm Training Group, and who better to say how great we are, than the current members themselves! If you are going to the show and would be happy to come to the stand for an hour or so, we would be really, really grateful! All you need is the ability to smile, hand out a leaflet, and answer any questions prospective members may have, essentially, spread the Small Farm Training Group love.
Happy to lend a hand? Please email Paul Lovatt Smith who is kindly taking responsibility for our SFTG stand at all the agricultural shows this year.

Sheep Health and Stock Tasks
2022-05-22 10:00 - 12:00
Learn how to assess whether your sheep are healthy - for example do they have anaemia?
James will show us how to handle sheep for general stock tasks such as foot care and dagging. We will have 18 ewes and 30 lambs to work with, so plenty of practise.
We will discuss and learn when to give wormers and vitamin drenches as well as boluses.
James will also be vaccinating his lambs with Heptavac P.
We will discuss the symptoms of fly strike and how to protect your animals.
Afterwards you may care to join James and Jenny Cloke in the pub for a drink/lunch. We have not booked a table but if you decide to join us bring some money.

CANCELLED: Deer Management & Control
2022-05-20 19:30 - 21:30
CANCELLED
17 MAY 22: WE REGRET TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE SPEAKER HAS BEEN CALLED AWAY ON URGENT FAMILY BUSINESS. THE MEETING WILL BE RE-SCHEDULED TO 2023.
Matt Moss from the High Weald AONB team will tell us about the threat that deer pose to the countryside and to biodiversity. He will the explain the options for controlling deer distribution and population on farmland and woodland.
Friday 20 May 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

Everything Elderflower Workshop
2022-05-15 09:30 - 16:30
Elderflower Champagne and Cordial Making Workshop with Steve Gibson
If you have a lot of Elderflowers, or even just a few, you can turn them into something delicious. Under the expert guidance Steve Gibson, known locally as "Steve The Mead" you will learn the skills needed to make your own Elderflower Champagne, make your own Elderflower Cordial, and sample Steve's home brewed Elderflower creations whilst you learn all about this useful tree. We are also going to try Elderflower cake, and some elderflower gin, just because we can!
You will make enough to take home, as well as a kit to let you do it at home yourself.
Steve has been brewing country wines, meads and cider since 2005 and continued with the craft ever since. The hobby has grown, and Steve now keeps his own bees to harvest honey for Mead (Honey Wine) and gives talks and demonstrations and workshops to local groups and enthusiasts.
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Please choose your session time when you purchase your tickets, if a session is not showing, then the course has unfortunately sold old. Please arrive 10 mins before the start time. There is car parking on site, but please drive carefully due to free ranging animals. We will be working in a barn, which is neither air conditioned, or heated, so please wear appropriate clothing for the conditions.
We have a maximum of 6 spaces available for each workshop, therefore only members of the SFTG are able to book, this event is not open to non members. This small group size enables plenty of one to one tuition and ensures we all have enough room to socially distance. Steve will make sure we follow the guidelines on the day but please do not attend on the day if you are feeling unwell. Bring a face mask.

Kitchen Gardening
2022-04-23 14:00 - 16:30
Make this the best year yet in your veg garden!
Learn from a gardener with decades of experience in growing vegetables. This course will be led by the SFTG's Jenny Huggett, who many of you will know from our regular Friday evening meetings, open farm days and annual picnics as well as Marcus Wareing's Tales From a Kitchen Garden.
Although she wouldn’t tell you so herself, the chances are that if Jenny doesn’t know the answer to a question, then it probably doesn’t have an answer.
In this course, you’ll learn about such topics as:

What to plant for year-round fresh or stored vegetables, and when to plant it
Which vegetable varieties to grow, including what works well in this area (and what doesn’t!)
Caring for your vegetable plants
Feeding the soil so as to get the most from it
The benefits of no-dig gardening
How best to avoid pests without chemicals
Companion planting – which plants will help each other, and which will hinder?
Seed saving

So go on - book now! We are sure you won't have bean on a better course!
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.
Special offer: 2 free vegetable plants for every attendee!

An Introduction to Smallholding
2022-04-23 12:00 - 16:00, 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.

Community market, Ringmer
2022-04-23 10:00 - 13:00
Many of the SFTG members often have excess produce throughout the year so the monthly market will provide them with an outlet. These markets will offer local artists, makers, bakers, preservers etc the opportunity to sell their wares. There will be teas & coffee, cakes of course, plenty of vegan, gluten free options too.If you'd like to book a space for selling contact Jay Kendall at knitwit95@gmail.com
Tables are just £10 for the day.

Bottle Feeding of Lambs
2022-04-19 08:00 - 2022-05-31 18:00
This is an event for Small, Small Farmers (but grown-ups are also welcome with or without children). Come and help feed my seven bottle fed lambs. They are delightful and it is very rewarding to feed them. They need feeding at breakfast, lunch and tea time for several weeks and then only morning and evening. So maybe there is a day and time that would suit you! I am busier with my own friends and family at weekends so in the comments box please say the ages and number of children who would like to come and whether you could come on a weekday/weekend and whether you could make a morning/lunchtime or teatime slot. I will then e-mail you with a date/time and we can negotiate from there, but as I go from several feeds a day down to one its is often difficult to plan too far in advance.
We will be in my barn, so wear boots and warm clothes that can be washed. Bottle feeding usually takes 20 -30 minutes (faster when one feeds more than one lamb at a time!)

Raising Meat Chickens For Eating - ZOOM workshop
2022-04-13 19:30 - 21:00
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, and if you can't get to us in person, then we are bringing this workshop to you, direct on ZOOM.
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 (pleasantly) 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. This workshop is suitable for anyone looking to rear between 5-100 birds, in a small setting. It is not designed to cover any form of commercial chicken farming, especially not rearing birds wholly indoors.
Please note we usually run this as an in person workshop - where it takes 2 hours, but includes a cuppa tea and a tour of our chicken housing, and meet the chicks. We have had lots of requests from people outside the area to run it via zoom, so this a a first for us. We think it will take slightly less time at an hour and a half, but we'll see how it goes. There is ample time for questions and interaction - come and ask away!

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.

Small Small Farmers - Keeping Quail for Pets & Eggs
2022-04-12 10:00 - 11:30
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.

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
