In January 2010, a new European Union grant was announced, aimed at improving rural internet access in Wales. Despite advances in broadband and wireless technology, many rural areas in the UK still have problems with the internet access which is increasingly vital for individual communications and business development.

Even in the twenty-first century, some very remote rural homesteads in the UK have only been connected to the electricity and telephone grids for a couple of years. And with broadband signals only able to travel along conventional phone lines for a short distance, special technology and planning is needed to get the furthest-out smallholders and farmers online. Isolated Welsh lamb and dairy farmers have been forced to give up trying to sell to some processing companies and wholesalers, because as email becomes the standard means of communication for most businesses, they simply can’t keep up.

Rural Communications Solutions, a Cumbria-based firm specialising in getting internet access to rural ‘not-spots,’ cites bypassing by mainstream internet service providers as a problem. Getting services to remote houses, villages and smallholdings simply isn’t cost-effective for web providers geared to supplying cheap broadband to urban mass markets. Suppliers like RCS have to find ways to get strong wireless internet signals to remote sites, without resorting to the kind of controversial and unsightly aerials used by the mobile phone networks.

But as Ieuan Wyn Jones, Deputy first minister of Wales, said of the EU grant, “In the 21st Century, it is vital that people in all parts of Wales gain access to a high-speed internet service, and it is essential that businesses are fully equipped with the right information communications technology (ICT) infrastructure to compete successfully in a global market.” As well as the ability to access the web, good internet connections also offer rural communities the opportunity to run their own websites, communicate via email, and save on phone costs by using VOIP (voice over internet protocol) calls.

And for smallholders looking for ways to maintain a livelihood from rural locations, the internet is becoming non-negotiable. According to Isobel Davies of Izzy Lane, a designer clothes company which uses wool from sheep kept on her own small farm in Yorkshire, “the website is vital for sales. I think any smallholder will find that if you try to sell through shops the mark-up they have to put on products can make them unsaleable. With clothes, retailers often mark up 250% so if you have a high-quality, high-cost product to start with, the prices become ridiculous and in a recession no shop is going to take that kind of risk. Which is why the internet is brilliant, because if you sell direct to consumers you retain that margin instead.”

Chris Bailey, who with wife Suzie runs Whithorn Lodge B&B from his smallholding in Dumfries & Galloway, also depends on the internet for much of his trade. “Most people come because they see the website, they see that we have the rare breed animals running free range and that’s what sets us apart.” Although the Baileys do get some B&B trade via word-of-mouth and repeat custom, being able to access the internet is key to their business, and to many other rural enterprises. And this is a tool which is still unavailable to many inhabitants of rural areas, especially in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the North and West of England.

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Article by Sarah Irving for Rural Smallholdings Magazine

Photo Courtesy of East Devon Guide

Abundance is a new group of projects aimed at tracking down surplus food being grown across Britain and finding ways to harvest and distribute it. One of the key issues behind sustainable food production is not wasting what is already being grown, and as well as addressing this problem Abundance helps to teach city inhabitants about the kinds of locally produced food they can often find on their doorsteps. Sarah Irving talks to Debbie Clarke of Abundance Manchester.

Abundance Manchester was set up in 2008 by a young woman called Leonie who had heard about the Sheffield Abundance project and, says Debbie Clarke, “just thought it made loads of sense. It addresses lots of issues – primarily food waste but also food miles, food access, health, and the underestimated capacity for urban food production. It also appealed to her love of climbing trees!”

The Sheffield Abundance project had been established in 2007 to harvest surplus fruit and distribute it around central Sheffield and Meadowhall or to can and bottle it, educating people about issues like food sustainability and in traditional skills for preserving fresh produce. In 2009, the project also published a guide to community harvesting for groups wanting to find ways of dealing with surplus food in their own communities.

Since 2008, Manchester Abundance has grown to a core group of six people although, says Clarke “there’s no formal committee and anyone is welcome to get involved.” They are joined by around twenty people who come to picking sessions and a further hundred or so on the mailing list. As well as actually picking fruit and vegetables, members of the group also take stalls to local food events, offering free produce or freshly-pressed juices to educate people about food sustainability. “One really nice thing about the project is that it is has appeal on lots of levels,” says Debbie Clarke. “It’s addressing some serious environmental and social issues but it’s also attractive to people who just want to do their bit for a good cause.

The Manchester Abundance project estimates that this year they’re picked and distributed around 800kg of fruit and vegetables. The vast majority, they believe, would have gone completely to waste if they hadn’t seized the opportunity to make it available. “We only take surpluses, we’re not looking for charity, so we’re really only dealing with produce that wouldn’t be used otherwise,” says Debbie Clarke. “That’s especially true for the domestic fruit trees we harvest – they’re often far too much for one household to use, and some people aren’t able to pick their fruit at all so it just drops off and rots.”

The project usually finds out about fruit that needs picking from tree owners who have heard about them via local papers, friends, information displays or talks at events and community spaces. They’ve put up posters on allotment sites to encourage plot holders to pass on surpluses, and if they find fruit trees in public places they sometimes harvest those too.

Recently, local food campaigners have sometimes been accused of being concerned with small-scale issues rather than worldwide problems. But the Abundance projects are very much aware of the social as well as environmental effects of food inequality. “The main aim of the project is simply to stop food going to waste, and make the most of the abundance of fresh produce that is and can be produced in our city,” says Debbie Clarke. But at Abundance Manchester, the group has prioritised people in the direst need to provide with fresh food they can rarely afford. Abundance works closely with the Boaz Trust, which supports destitute asylum seekers. “We’ve got to know the project well and have seen that what we provide makes a huge difference to them,” says Clarke. Other recipients include a battered women’s refuge, a hostel for young women, a Salvation Army hostel, a day centre and various community events. “Being able to provide fresh food for shelters and asylum seekers is fantastic, and adds another aspect to what we do,” says Debbie Clarke.

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Article by Sarah Irving for Rural Smallholdings Magazine

With a welcome break from the heatwave due this week, here’s a round up of smallholding, farming, gardening and outdoor events across the country to enjoy this week.

The Great Yorkshire Show – taking place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week (13th – 15th July) at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, The Great Yorkshire Show attracts over 125,00 Visitors and offers a fantastic day of food and drink, fashion and flowers, livestock and machines, and show jumping and cookery demonstrations to name just a selection of the things you can enjoy.

For further info on this event click here

Kent County Show – taking place Friday, Saturday and Sunday this week (16th – 18th July) at the top of Detling Hill in Kent, the Kent County Show The Kent County Show is the largest 3 day event in the County with nearly 100,000 visitors each year. This year the Kent County Agricultural Society, organisers of the event are pleased to announce a new and improved Show with something different for the whole family.

The main emphasis of the 2010 Show will be on Farming and Agriculture and the interactive ‘Why Farming Matters’ will move opposite the Main Gate to allow visitors to ‘learn something new’ about farming, the countryside and where food comes from. The Kent Young Farmers area will be extended for 2010 and will include a more prominently placed ring on the roadside to allow for expansion of this professional display of livestock and small animals that helps encourage young people into the farming industry. The Countryside Area will be extended and moved to allow even better viewing of interactive displays, hound pens, gundogs, birds of prey and terrier racing.

The Astor Ring will now host all the major ring attractions including the Grand Parade of Livestock, top show jumping classes and for 2010, a display by the White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team.

For further info on this event click here

Weeting Steam Engine Rally & Country Show – taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this week (16th – 18th July) at Fengate Farm, Weeting, Norfolk, The Weeting Steam Engine Rally & Country Show is held annually on the third weekend in July and features trade and craft Stalls, working demonstrations, vintage vehicles, miniature steam railway, children’s entertainment, restaurant and bars.

For further info on this event click here

Cumberland County Show – taking place this Saturday (17th July) at Carlisle Racecourse in Carlisle, the Cumberland County Show takes Cumbria’s best family day out to Carlisle Racecourse. Tradition and agriculture are combined with a fresh, modern focus to create a real celebration of farming food and countryside.

The show is hosting two major cattle shows for 2010, see fantastic displays of Charolais and Galloway cattle at the biggest display of show cattle in the region.

For further info on this event click here.

Camborne Show – taking place this Saturday (17th July) at Gwealavellen Farm in Camborne, Cornwall, the Camborne Show will feature experts in rural activities from all over the area gathering together to display their talents, many of which have taken generations of dedication to perfect. Shared knowkedge and carefully guarded trade secrets contribute to the day being a showcase of the truly best in their field. These activities willl include a display of Falconry and Gun Dog demonstrations

During the day trophies will be awarded to the best entries in the categories, Cagebirds, Cattle, Companion Dogs, Pigeons, Poultry, Goats and Heavy Horses. The Domestic section covers not only handicraft but cookery and preserves, art, photography, and a childrens section. Throughout the day Horses will be competing for much coveted awards in their events, in three large Rings at the heart of the showground. Other attractions include Trade Stands, Refreshment Stalls, Childrens Activities and much more.

For further info on this event click here

Castlewellan & District Agricultural Show – taking place this Saturday (17th July) the Castlewellan Show is held within the beautiful grounds of Castlewellan Forest Park in Co Down, Northern Ireland.

For further info on this event click here

The Sheepdog Trials – taking place this Sunday (18th July) the Sheepdog Trials event is held at Greenlands Farm, Hambleden. Entries for the event continue to rise, 40 dogs and their handlers attended the 2009 Trials. Attractions for 2010 include spinning and weaving display, sheep hurdle making demonstration and craft/trade stands. Refreshments will be available throughout the day.

For further info on this event click here

Singleton Rare & Traditional Breeds Show – taking place this Sunday (18th July) at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum near Chichester, West Sussex, the Singleton Rare & Traditional Breeds Show offers the chance to see over 500 cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry in this delightful agricultural show for rare and traditional breeds of farm animals. With prizes at stake, and classes for young handlers, it’s one of the biggest shows of its kind in the south east and hugely popular with visitors and exhibitors alike. Plus craft and trade stands with a countryside theme.

For further info on this event click here

Arthington Show – taking place this Sunday (18th July) in Wharfedale, West Yorkshire, the 2009 Arthington Show included a large horticultural, produce, arts and crafts and childrens marquee, 5 showrings and a main attraction ring, and this years show promises to be bigger and better than ever.

For further info on this event click here

Aldborough & Boroughbridge Show – taking place this Sunday (18th July) just outside Boroughbridge in Langthorpe, the 97th Aldborough & Boroughbridge Show features classes for horses and ponies, cattle, sheep, terrier & pet classes, children’s classes, preserves and produce, handicrafts, photography, vintage and horticulture and farm produce, along with displays, trade stands and craft tent.

For further info on this event click here

Malton Show – taking place this Sunday (18th July) in Malton, North Yorkshire, this years Malton Show includes agricultural attractions, farm exhibits and class entries along with many special attractions including Bob Hogg and his very clever sheepdogs, Falconry Exhibits and Demonstrations from Ridgeside Falconry, and much more.

For further info on this event click here

Please always check with show organisers/websites for up to date information on these shows before travelling to events in case of incorrect details, show changes or cancellations.

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Article by Rural Smallholdings Magazine

With the sun shining and the show season now in full swing here’s a round up of smallholding, farming, gardening and outdoor events across the country to enjoy this week.

Cheshire County Show – taking place today and tomorrow (22nd – 23rd June) in Knutsford, Cheshire the Cheshire County Show is a chance to celebrate and experience all that is great and good about the countryside. There are competition classes for cattle, sheeps, goats, pigs and rare breed livestock and equines from Shires to Shetlands. For Poultry enthusiasts the poultry section takes place on Tuesday only and pigeons, rabbits and cavies aplenty can be found on the Wednesday only as they compete in the many classes held at the show. The prestigious Cheshire Show Dog section attracts over 2000 entries from across a vast array of breeds. Tuesday sees classes for Non-Sporting Breeds only, whilst Wednesday is Sporting Breed classes only.

Other attractions at the show include: The Roberts Bakery Food Halls bring together local, regional and national producers and purveyors of fine food and drink to suit everyone’s tastes, whilst the Roberts Bakery Food Live Theatre enables visitors to enjoy some tremendous food edu-tainment from local Cheshire chefs and college students, at the Cheese and Wine marquee visitors can experience the delights of cheese and wine produced locally and beyond, the Rural Life area includes the WI marquee with hundreds of entries to the many classes of craft ranging from cake making, floral art, produce making through to art and photography and much more, the Vintage Machinery section re-counts a bygone era with an extensive display of tractors, agricultural machinery, stationary engines, cars and commercial vehicles of yesteryear.

Country pursuits and traditional crafts come to life it the Countryside Experience Area. From falconry demonstrations, have ago Clay Shoot and Archery, to fly-fishing demonstrations and parades of hounds, it’s a real haven for country lovers. The Main Ring attractions include the Bolddog Freestyle Motorcross Team, Gauntlet Birds of Prey and Meirion Owen’s Quack Pack.

For further info on this event click here

Lincolnshire County Show – taking place tomorrow and Thursday (23rd – 24th June) in Lincoln, the 126th Lincolnshire County Show has a variety of attractions including: The Select Lincolnshire and Tastes of Lincolnshire Food Court, Show Jumping Classes in the Clydesdale Bank Main Ring, an action packed sports area, live entertainment on the Lincs FM Stage, the Medieval Village, spectacular Grand Parade of the best of the County’s Livestock, vintage to modern day agricultural machinery display, the Carter Homes Sustainable Living Exhibition featuring interactive displays and exhibits of everything you might need to live an eco friendly lifestyle, boutique style shopping avenue, plus 600 traders around the show ground.

For further info on this event click here

Royal Highland Show – running from Thursday to Sunday this week (24th – 27th June) in Ingliston, near Edinburgh Airport the Royal Highland Show showcases the best that Scotland has to offer and a chance to indulge your love of food, farming and countryside pursuits. There is so much going on we couldn’t hope to cover it all here so please visit the website for the latest news.

For further info on this event click here

Irish Game Fair and Country Lifestyle Festival – taking place this weekend (26th – 27th June) at Shanes Castle, Antrim the Irish Game Fair and Country Lifestyle Festival is one of the two great game fairs in Ireland. Attractions include: Clay Shooting – the fair will host a heat of the All Ireland Game Fair Championships and a heat and the final of the Barbour Novice Championships on a new and extended layout beside the Castle. In addition there will be have a go air rifle, shooting games, archery and lazer shooting.

Dog Competitions – Apart from the top competitions for all breeds of gundogs including hosting heats for the All Ireland Game Fair Gundog Handling Championships and heats and the final of the Barbour Novice Hadnling Championships. There will be a gundog scurry, and main arena gundog displays including one by the Irish CLA Team captained by Willie Edgar and sponsored by Calor. The Winners of the Sunday Life Pet Idol Competition will be presented with their prizes and a special treat for all dog owners – main arena displays and an advice facility on the Irish Countrysports and Country Life stand from Keith Mathews the BBC’s famous dog whisperer. New for this year’s show is the Director’s Gundog Challenge and the Fair will host the 22nd Barbour/Irish Countrysports and Country Life All Ireland Terrier & Lurcher Championships.

There are also equine events, Angling events/exhibits, the Medieval Living History Festival, falconry, ferrets and hounds and a huge tented village of trade stands. Again we can’t hope to cover it all here so please do visit the website for more information.

For further info on this event click here.

Shropshire County Show – taking place this weekend (26th – 27th June) at the County Showground in Shrewsbury, the Shropshire County Show offers an action packed weekend. There will be exciting entertainment in the Main Ring for the whole family to enjoy. In the side rings there will be competitions judging cattle, including Hereford, sheep, pigs and equestrian events. The Countryside Arena will hold a dog show and agility display, as well as a llama show. On the showground there will be a display of classic cars and agricultural vehicles, cookery demonstrations in the cookery theatre, craft displays and much, much more.

The Shropshire Food Festival is being launched at the Show this year embracing the theme “From Gate to Plate”. Packed with an abundance of Shropshire produce on display a visit to The Festival is a must! Local suppliers of food to schools will also be at the Show with their produce being put to good use in the working school canteen that will be on display. Other attractions include: Bolddog Lings Motorcycle Display Team, the Red Devils Parachute Regiment Display Team, Grand Parade, Chef’s Table Restaurant, BBC Countryfile – all seven presenters from BBC Countryfile programme will be at the Show on Sunday 27th June to film their Summer Special programme.

For further info on this event click here

Axe Vale Festival – taking place this weekend (26th – 27th June) at the Showground in Axminster, the Axe Vale Festival has attractions including: Craft marquee, trade stands, floral marquee, food hall, antiques and collectibles, horticultural show, children’s entertainment, demonstrations, ferret racing, falconry displays, terrier racing, gundog displays, working lurcher display, live bands, and a display of paintings by the members of Axminster Art Society.

For further info on this event click here

Please always check with show organisers/websites for up to date information on these shows before travelling to events in case of incorrect details, show changes or cancellations.

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Article by Rural Smallholdings Magazine

Interest in local and heritage varieties of fruit trees has grown significantly in recent years, according to Hamid Habibi of the Keepers fruit tree nursery in Kent. Sarah Irving talks to him about growing apple trees and why growing fruit is a good path for the smallholder to go down.

“The growth of interest in local produce has motivated people with a bit of land to try and grow fruit,” says Hamid Habibi. “Fruit is a crop which you can produce as a semi-amateur, if you like – it’s not like trying to grow wheat or other major crops. It can be done on a small scale.”

Habibi has run Keepers Nursery for nearly 20 years, since founder Mike Cook retired.

“It started as a hobby for Mike,” Habibi explains. “He worked for Morley Research Station and was a fruit tree enthusiast. After a while, people started asking him for unusual varieties of apple trees – old varieties or new ones which weren’t commercially available – and he built up a reputation. My wife and I got involved in 1991 because we had some land that the nursery could use.”

Over almost twenty years, Habibi has witnessed the growth of interest in heritage apple varieties and in locally sourced food more generally. He attributes public interest in growing food to rising food prices and then to the current recession.

“Apparently people are spending a lot more time in their own gardens instead of going out and spending money,” he says. “Obviously it makes sense for economic reasons, but its also more interesting to grow things that you then eat.”

This widespread engagement with growing food has meant that Keepers Nursery and other selling a broader range of edible plants have bucked the recessionary trend. “We’ve seen a surge in demand in the last three or four years,” says Hamid Habibi. “And the reports I’m hearing from fellow nurseries is that many of them have had a bumper year too. It’s only December now, which is fairly early, but we’ve already almost sold out of many of our trees this year.”

For aspiring fruit growers – whether smallholders or individuals looking for just one or two orchard trees for their garden – Habibi has some words of advice.

“If you go to your local general nursery or garden centre, the choice you get is extremely limited still and it is mainly pot-grown trees, which are quite honestly not as good as bare root apple trees,” he says. And despite Keepers Nursery’s huge collection of over 600 varieties of apple trees, as well as pears and plums, he urges new growers not to “get too hung up” on the idea of growing local or heritage varieties.

“It’s most important that you pick trees which are going to give a good crop, that are disease resistant and which have nice apples that you and your children are going to like,” he says. “That’s not necessarily going to be local varieties – some are very good, but some are quite indifferent. Quite a lot of commercial varieties are also not that good for small-scale growing, because they don’t have resistance to disease and need spraying. So for an allotment or smallholding, by all means go for a local variety – but only if it fits those other requirements.”

Despite this pragmatic advice, Habibi remains concerned about the fate of some of Britain’s heritage fruit varieties. “We are lucky in this country in that there is still a big national collection at Brogdale, although it’s constantly under threat of extinction from lack of funding,” he says. Keepers Nursery, says Habibi, continues “to try to fill that gap,” supplying unusual types to local authorities, National Trust properties and conservation organisations with a commitment to preserving the huge diversity of Britain’s traditional fruit trees.

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Article by Sarah Irving for Rural Smallholdings Magazine

With the show season now in full swing here’s a round up of smallholding, farming, gardening and outdoor events across the country to enjoy this week.

Royal Cornwall Show – running Thursday to Saturday this week (10th – 12th June) in Wadebridge, Cornwall the Royal Cornwall Show is the premier annual event of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association. The famous JCB Dancing Diggers and the Devil’s Horsemen will perform all three days. On Thursday and Friday the RAF Falcons Parachute Display team will be dropping in. Also in the main ring: the Band of HM Royal Marines (Plymouth) showjumping and the exciting inter-hunt relay. See the cattle, sheep, pigs, rare breeds and discover the smaller animals and birds. Attractions include flower show, horses, countryside area, forestry, steam and vintage vehicles, motor fair, agricultural machinery, festival of dance, dog show, rabbit show, goats, full music programme. Over 1,000 trade stands and great food and drink from Cornwall!

For further info on this event click here

Aberystwyth & Ceredigion County Show – taking place tomorrow (12th June) in Aberystwyth, Wales the Aberystwyth and Ceredigion Show is the areas annual agricultural show. This local show attracts many visitors from the surrounding areas, uniting the farming industry and local community. A wide range of events take place from produce and poultry shows through to equestrian. It provides excellent opportunities for local farmers, plant growers, and exhibitors, and is a fun day out that can be enjoyed by all the family.

For further info on this event click here

South of England Show – running from Thursday to Saturday this week (10th – 12th June) in Haywards Heath, West Sussex the South of England Show includes Arena displays – The Sussex Cadet 150 KITKAR Display Team, The Light Cavalry HAC Skill at Arms Display Team, Agricultural Machinery Display, Prize winning British livestock including Cattle Parade each day, Piggy Pranks & Pig Village, Sheep Agility plus the best of British poultry, rabbits, foxhounds and beagles, World Class Show Jumping and Events including 2010 International Stairway Competition, Dinnages Grand Prix Competition, Hackney Horse Driving, Heavy Horses, entertainment and a host of Food and Farming attractions including Cookery Demonstrations and a Regional Food & Wine Pavilion and Food Hall.

For further info on this event click here

The Angus Show – taking place today and tomorrow (11th – 12th June) at Brechin, Angus The Angus Show has attractions including Vintage Vehicle Parades of agricultural and non agricultural vehicles, Pony Club Games, Phoenix Falconry, Grand Parade of Stock, Quad Bike Display, Djembe Drummers, Childrens Races, Highland Dancing Competition along with trade and craft stands.

For further info on this event click here.

Caerwys Agricultural Show – taking place tomorrow (12th June) in Holywell, Flintshire the Caerwys Agricultural Show offers a fantastic day out for all the family with a variety of attractions and entertainment throughout the day. The show gives the general public a chance to watch classes for sheep and cattle in the livestock section. A poultry tent houses one of the biggest poultry shows in North Wales. There are also classes for horses, floral art, photography and produce. The vintage machinery and tractors section boasts a wide range of tractors and stationary engines all lovingly restored by their owners. There are numerous trade stands and food stalls selling everything from plants to hats.

For further info on this event click here

Honley Agricultural Show – taking place tomorrow (12th June) in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire the Honley Show is one of the most prestigious, best attended and well respected rural shows in the country. Now in its 78th year, the Show’s Farnley Tyas showground remains one of the region’s best venues to showcase a stunning range of activities, agricultural events, stands and displays. It provides a fun day out for all the family whether you live in Kirklees, West Yorkshire or the North of England.

For further info on this event click here

The Grampian Country Fair – taking place tomorrow and Sunday (12th – 13th June) in Aberdeenshire, the Grampian Country Fair includes Country pursuits and attractions, shooting, fishing, live music, shopping, crafts, cuisine and much more! Falconry, horse and pony show, vintage vehicles, carriage driving, dogs, children’s entertainments and displays, autographs, Scottish Country Dancing, demonstrations by The Frilly Ghillie, all the fun of the fair and the list goes on. Some of the country’s top Strongmen will join the North East’s very own Strongman Steve Evans to amaze the crowds with superman strength using the heaviest weights and events ever seen on Scottish soil. The Kincardineshire Foxhounds will parade with their master and be on hand to speak to everyone. Pick up some memorabilia at Kevin’s Roupe! Celebrity Mini Highland Games, zip sliding, 5-a-side football, golf and Karting Grand Prix. You can even take a trip in an HJS helicopter and see Aberdeenshire as you’ve never seen it before. Bring your own dogs for the Gundogs Scurry!

On Saturday only the cast and team from TV’s Emmerdale will be at the show to raise vital funds for The Anthony Nolan Trust – helping take back lives from leukaemia.

For further info on this event click here

Clonakilty Agricultural Show – taking place this Sunday (13th June) in Clonakilty, Co Cork the Clonakilty Agricultural Show offers a great day out for all the family. This years attractions include Tractor Pulling Competition, Ricks Plant Hire “Hook a Duck” Competition, Balance a Quad Bike Competition, Na Fianna’s open air concert and much more.

For further info on this event click here

BBC Gardeners World Live – taking place next week from Wednesday to Sunday (16th to 20th June) at the NEC in Birmingham the BBC Gardeners World Live Show in association with the Royal Horticultural Society offers access to the top gardening celebrities including the all new Ask The Experts Stage, Gardeners Questions Time sessions, RHS Floral Marquee, Floristry Masterclasses, Show Gardens, A Taste of Greenacre, Countryfile Magazine Area, Plant Avenue, Plant Swap, and the BBC Summer Good Food Show.

For further info on this event click here

Please always check with show organisers/websites for up to date information on these shows before travelling to events in case of incorrect details, show changes or cancellations.

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Article by Rural Smallholdings Magazine

With a welcome return of the sunshine predicted for this weekend (it’s absolutely pouring here!), here’s a round up of smallholding, farming, gardening and outdoor events across the country to enjoy in the sunshine.

Ballymena Show – running tomorrow (29th May) in Country Antrim, Northern Ireland the Ballymena Show promises something for everyone this year with competitions for Horses, Ponies, Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Poultry and Crafts, Trade Stands with Cosmetics, Painting, Ceramics, Health Products, Baking, Jewellery, Handbags, Cars, Machinery, Garden Equipment, Books, and Horticulture. A chance to test your skills at Archery and Air Rifle Shooting while the Young Farmers have fun and games to win prize money for charity – lots of water will be involved.

For further info on this event click here

The Hays Festival – continuing all this week until Sunday (27th May to 6th June) in Hay on Wye, Wales The Hay Festival is a gathering in the staggering beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Every year, around 80,000 visitors flock to Hay-on-Wye for the town’s annual literary festival. The programme of events is so packed we could never do it justice here so please do visit the website to find out more.

For further info on this event click here

Heathfield & District Agricultural Show – taking place tomorrow (29th May) in Broad Oak, Heathfield, East Sussex the Heathfield & District Agricultural Show is the premier one day agricultural show in the South East. The Show has cattle, pig, horse and sheep programmes as well as over 200 trade stands and Country Ways displays and demonstrations including Bee Keeping, Fly Dressing and Fishing, Heavy Horse Display, Hounds Display, Lace Making, Plumpton Forestry Display, Rush, Cane and Cord seating demonstrations, Saddlery, Sussex Young Farmers and many more.

For further info on this event click here

Baston & District Spring Show – taking place tomorrow (29th May) at Grimsthorpe Castle Park, Lincolnshire, the Baston & District Spring Show is a one day equestrian event taking place in the beautiful surroundings of the Castle Park. As well as the equestrian competitions there will be ‘have a go’ dog agility running all day and refreshments available.

For further info on this event click here and here.

Cothi Bridge Show – taking place tomorrow (29th May) in Llanegwad, Carmarthenshire the Cothi Bridge Show has cattle, sheep and horse classes as well as a Ladies Section including handicrafts, preserves, cookery, floral art, photography and rural crafts sections, a children’s section and a Companion Dog Show.

For further info on this event click here

Hertfordshire County Show – taking place tomorrow and Sunday (29th – 30th May) in St Albans, Hertfordshire, the Hertfordshire County Show promises something for everyone this year with attractions to include: the Devils Horseman on Saturday and due to popular demand, The Bolddog Lings Freestyle Motorcycle Team will return on Sunday in the Grand Ring, The All Human Festival Circus,
The Royal British Legion Band, The Chiltern Vehicle Preservation Group, The Morden Hall Alpacas, Mr C O’Donnell’s Eagle & Vulture Show, The Sheep Show ( 4 performances throughout the day), Racing Herts Flyball Team, Rockwood Dog Display Team, Country Craft Displays and much much more. All childrens entertainment is free.

For further info on this event click here

Melton Mowbray Show – taking place this Bank Holiday Monday (31st May) in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, the Melton Mowbray Show promises a day packed full of attractions to include: the famous Gardening Question Time Roadshow, Quack Pack Sheepdog display, Ridgeside Falconry display, Llama racing, Royal Artillery Flying Gunners Motorcycle Display Team, Rockin Horse ‘Orc’ Show, the biggest Motor Show ever, trade and charity exhibits and much more.

For further info on this event click here

Northumberland County Show – taking place this Bank Holiday Monday (31st May) in Tyndale Park, Corbridge, the Northumberland County Show is expected to attract 25,000 visitors this year with attractions including: Showing Classes for Cattle, Sheep, Light Horses, Heavy Horses, Goats, Alpacas, Shearing, KC Dogs, Poultry, Rabbits, Stick dressing, Competitive Home Crafts, Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling, The Journal ‘TASTE’ event with top North East Chefs, 300 Trade Stands – from large Agricultural Machinery, to delicate crafts, Falconry Display and static displays, Grand Parade of Livestock, Spectacular Main Arena IMPS Motorcycle Display Team, Full working Milking Parlour, Horse Shoeing Demonstration, Live Music, Irish Dancers, Meet the Hounds, Beekeeping demonstration, Funfair, Stick dressing and hedgelaying demonstrations, RAF Battle Of Britain Memorial Fly Past featuring the Spitfire, the show promises something for everyone.

For further info on this event click here

Surrey County Show – taking place this Bank Holiday Monday (31st May) in Stoke Park, Guildford, the Surrey County Show is the largest one day agricultural show in the UK attracting up to 40,000 visitors. First and foremost, Surrey County Show celebrates farming. So come and see the pick of the crop, the cream of the herd, the pride of the flock, beautifully presented and in hot competition for rosettes and trophies. Some of the farmers have been competing at Surrey County Show for more than half a century – a magnificent tradition of pride in quality animal husbandry. Come to the show and become a part of the Surrey farming experience.

Other attractions include: The daring aerial stunts of the Bolddog Lings Freestyle Team, Pony Club Games, Osborne Refrigerator Scurry Driving Classes return again this year with teams of ponies galloping round a challenging obstacle course, NEW for 2010 is the Pig Racing Championships, complementing Surrey’s increasingly popular Pig showing classes, Gamegoer Working Dog and Hawk Display, Huxley Experience Falconry display, the great Cattle Parade, the spectacular Hot Air Balloon Challenge (weather permitting) will lift off at the end of the finale in the grand arena.

The Countryside Arena will feature the Huxley Experience Falconry Display, and fly-fishing as well as working dogs and hawks and pig racing followed by the Battersea Dogs Home Companion Dog Show. At the Food Theatre and Surrey Food Festival, visitors can not only find out about growing their own vegetables but also explore the harvest of the deep! Pigs of all shapes and sizes are enjoying an exciting comeback at Surrey for the Smallholder Pig Event. There is so much going on we cannot do it justice here so please do visit the website to find out more.

For further info on this event click here

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Article by Rural Smallholdings Magazine

With a heatwave predicted for this weekend, here’s a round up of smallholding, farming, gardening and outdoor events across the country to enjoy in the sunshine.

Devon County Show – taking place from Thursday to Saturday (20th-22nd May) in Westpoint, Exeter the Devon County Show promises a great day out for all the family. Traditional attractions include magnificent livestock, wonderful food and drink, inspiring flower and garden displays, marvellous crafts, stalls offering a wealth of goods, and lots of traditional entertainment in six rings.

New for this year’s show, Children’s feature FunForKidz is bursting with hands-on activity for lively youngsters; everything from planting seeds to baking bread, milking Daisy, weaving willow wands, seeing chicks hatch, watching Tractor Ted DVDs and petting Crealy’s tame animals. ‘Indulgence, fashion & lifestyle’ is a pavilion offering demonstrations and fashion shows as well as lots of trade stands.

Enjoy delicious and wholesome food: Westcountry food and drink producers bring the great taste of the countryside to the table with their affordable and tempting produce.

And for farmers and smallholders there’s livestock to see, machinery to ogle, suppliers to chat to and old faces to bump into!

There’s so much going on – don’t forget the equine competitions and dog show! Children go Free on Saturday when accompanied by an adult.

For further info on this event click here

Otley Show – running Saturday this week (22nd May) in Otley, West Yorkshire the Otley Show attracts an average 12000 visitors plus exhibitors in Cattle, Sheep, Horses, Goats, Poultry, Dogs, Rabbits, Produce, Handicrafts, Floral Art and Farriers. In excess of 100 Trade Stand Exhibitors and 40+ Craft Exhibitors also attend the show.

This year sees the 201st Show and amongst the many attractions will be Jason Smyth, with the Adrenaline Tour Stunt Show, Richard Savory with The Sheep Show, Les Dixon with his Mountgrace Gundogs and Ben Potter’s Birds of Prey.

For further info on this event click here

Althorp House Craft and Country Show – running all this weekend (22nd – 23rd May) in Althorp, Northampton entertainment will include the Horkesley Park Suffolk Punch Horse Demonstration Team, birds of prey flying displays, The Sheep Show – an educational as well as fun show, working and agility dogs, Newfoundland Dogs, as well as rural demonstrations . Arts, craft and gift marquees as well as lifestyle and food hall stands will give you the chance to sample and buy unique products.

Also on Sunday at this event, they’re proud to host the Companion Dog Show – so bring along a canine friend and have a go! (And all proceeds from entries will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care).

For further info on this event click here

RHS Chelsea Flower Show – running from this coming Tuesday to Saturday (25th – 29th May) the World’s most famous flower show should need no introduction, but we hope you have your tickets already as they are now SOLD OUT!

For further info on this event click here

NBA Beef Expo – taking place this coming Thursday (27th May) in Hexham, Northumberland Beef Expo is the National Beef Association’s annual flagship event and is held at a different venue each year with a comprehensive programme of technical, practical and livestock demonstrations, competitions, seminars, beef breed displays, trade stands and educational exhibits and a strong commercial focus.

Every corner of the available exhibition area at Hexham Mart has been taken up with live displays by 22 beef breed societies and 150 trade stands.

The theme of this year’s Beef Expo is “The Way Forward” and a special feature will be the National Spring Spectacular Show of cattle which proved a major success at last year’s event at the Three Counties Showground and has this year attracted an entry of 110 cattle from 35 exhibitors, as well as 13 entries in the young handlers’ section. The show will be judged by leading Scottish beef cattle producer, Archie McGregor, Allanfauld, Kilsyth, Glasgow.

For further info on this event click here

The Hay Festival – taking place next week from Thursday to the following Sunday (27th May to 6th June) in Hay on Wye, Wales The Hay Festival is a gathering in the staggering beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Every year, around 80,000 visitors flock to Hay-on-Wye for the town’s annual literary festival. The programme of events is so packed we could never do it justice here so please do visit the website to find out more.

For further info on this event click here

Ballymena Show – running Friday and Saturday next week (28th – 29th May) in Country Antrim, Northern Ireland the Ballymena Show promises something for everyone this year with competitions for Horses, Ponies, Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Poultry and Crafts, Trade Stands with Cosmetics, Painting, Ceramics, Health Products, Baking, Jewellery, Handbags, Cars, Machinery, Garden Equipment, Books, and Horticulture. A chance to test your skills at Archery and Air Rifle Shooting while the Young Farmers have fun and games to win prize money for charity – lots of water will be involved.

For further info on this event click here

SWHP Bluebell Dog Walk – taking place this Sunday (23rd May) and starting at Trostry Lodge, Bettws Newydd, Usk The Society For The Welfare of Horses and Ponies invites you and your dog or doggies to a dog walk. Registration 2.30 for 3 p.m. the walk starts at Trostry Lodge, Bettws Newydd, Near Clytha Park just off old A40 Raglan to Abergavenny Road. £5 per dog to include gorgeous rosette, teas and refreshments also available. All funds go to the SWHP a registered charity.

For further info on this event click here

Got a smallholding, farming or gardening event you would like to promote on this site? Write and tell us all about it by clicking here.

Article by Rural Smallholdings Magazine

The Producers of the upcoming new Smallholding / Farming series to be shown on BBC2 which we told you about in earlier postings (Click here to read our previous post) are currently seeking a Farming Advisor/Project Manager to help with the series.

Here’s more info on what they are looking for:

‘We are currently making a new eight part series for BBC 2 about small farms. During the series we will be looking at the key areas of the farming business.

To help us with this we are looking to bring on a Farming Advisor / Project Manager. We would like to hear from anyone who feels they have a broad knowledge of how to set up & run a small farm, the rules & regulations involved and the experience of perhaps managing or consulting for farms in the past.

It would potentially be a full time position, with a very quick start and the possibility of working through until August. The farm will be based in Suffolk and although not necessary, some local knowledge would be a bonus.’

If you are interested, please email: eireannsharpe@splashmediatv.co.uk with your cv and a brief description of what you’ve been up to previously.

This sounds like a great opportunity for someone and we wish you every success.

Still looking for Your Smallholding? Visit Greenshifters for the latest smallholdings for sale, rent and exchange.

Article by Rural Smallholdings Magazine

Word has it that Summer is finally arriving this weekend (we’ll believe it when we see it!) and with the Summer comes a multitude of smallholding, farming and gardening events across the country.

Here is a round up of events for this weekend:

South Eastern Game & Country Fair – taking place today and tomorrow (14th-15th May) in Tunbridge Wells, Kent the South Eastern Game & Country Fair is a traditional Game Fair with Arena events running throughout the day. Attractions include a large Dogzone with Lurcher and Terriers, Multiscurry Challenge, Mullenscote Gundog Clinic, Fun Dog Show and Chase the Bunny. Something for every dog lover so do not leave your dog at home.
Visit the Craft Village with a traditional crafts demonstration area, treat yourself to some speciality food and drink from the Food Glorious Food Court. Watch the Resident Chefs as they cook on stage in the Country Kitchen marquee.
Along with a variety of main arena demonstrations including Mounted Games, falconry and scurry racing there are trade stands and ‘Have a Go’ sessions you are sure to have an enjoyable day out!

For further info on this event click here

Essex Garden Show – running Fri to Sun this week (14th – 16th May) in Brentwood, Essex the Essex Garden Show will once again bring the creativity and passion of the regions top floral and landscape designers to Essex, delivered in stunnings displays as well as strong environmental message for gardening in the climate we live in. Coupled with an extensive array of garden and floral retail products, great food and entertainment for the whole family. Attractions include: floral displays, over 200 trade stands, dog and duck display, sheep racing, live music and entertainment and a childrens activity area.

For further info on this event click here

Royal Welsh Smallholder & Garden Festival – running all this weekend (15th – 16th May) in Builth Wells, Powys, there is no place like the Festival for encouraging those with a passion for ‘The Good Life’ to take the crucial step. The event is geared for the smallholder and the gardener and everything you want to know about how to make a start on a small country living can be found there, including experts to answer all your questions. There is even a property road show where you can find just the place to buy or rent to become a smallholder.
Expected to attract over 25000 visitors, the show offers an action packed programme of entertainment, information and attractions set on the superb Royal Welsh Showground.

For further info on this event click here

Lotherton Hall Garden Festival – running from today until Sun (14th – 16th May) in Aberford Leeds, the Lotherton Hall Garden Festival includes Horticultural displays and attractions including Gardening Question Time, up to 100 trade stands, Shire Horse displays, duck herding and sheepdog displays.

For further info on this event click here

Hadleigh Farmers Show – taking place tomorrow (15th May) in Hadleigh, Essex the Hadleigh Show is a popular country show which aims to promote agriculture and country life. Tradestands vary from farm machinery and fertilizers to commercial enterprises selling country clothing, garden plants and furniture, cars and country crafts, etc.
Livestock and equestrian competition classes, clay pigeon shooting, gun dog scurry, funfair, food hall, flower arranging demonstrations, art show, rural craft marquee, sheep shearing demonstration, and many more attractions can be found on the showground together with various refreshment stalls and a licensed bar.

For further info on this event click here

Essex Young Farmers Country Show – taking place on Sunday (16th May) in Roxwell, Chelmsford the Essex Young Farmers Country Show has quickly become one of the premier agricultural shows in the county, with over 14,000 visitors. The Show is organised and run entirely by the members, aged 16-26, which is a fantastic achievement, considering how much is involved. The Show has evolved over the years and is strongly supported by sponsors from the local area and the agricultural industry.
Attractions include: Livestock area, trade stands, craft hall, exhibition hall, food hall, tea rooms, farmers market, horticultural tent and a main ring with events including Hunt Parade, Dingle Fingle, Vintage Tractors, Monster Trucks and Farming Throughout the Year displays.

For further info on this event click here

Royal Windsor Horse Show – running from Weds to Sun (12th – 16th May) this week is the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Some of the UK’s top British Show Jumpers will be flocking to Windsor as the first outdoor equestrian Show of the season, opens its gates to over 3000 horses and ponies.

For further info on this event click here

Got a smallholding, farming or gardening event you would like to promote on this site? Write and tell us all about it by clicking here.

Article by Rural Smallholdings Magazine