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.

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

Article by Sarah Irving for Rural Smallholdings Magazine

Photo Courtesy of East Devon Guide

This rural smallholding equestrian property with 2 bedroomed detached bungalow and 2.5 acres is currently for rent in Climery, Builth Wells, Wales.

The unfurnished bungalow comprises good size kitchen/diner, utility room, living room, 2 bedrooms, family bathroom with shower and a large storage room off the utility area. The property also benefits from double glazing and oil central heating.

The smallholding property is set in a beautiful location offering lovely countryside views and comes complete with detached garage, 2 loose boxes, large barn, field shelter, a garden and 2 paddocks (each approximatey 1 acre).

The property is available now and is currently being promoted by Swift Relocations Letting Agents.  (Click here to view full particulars)

 Article by Rural Smallholdings Magazine

  ]]> http://www.rural-smallholdings.co.uk/smallholding-properties/2-bed-smallholding-with-2-5-acres-for-rent-in-climery-builth-wells-wales/feed/ 0 http://www.rural-smallholdings.co.uk/smallholding-properties/3-bed-bungalow-with-10-acres-for-rent-in-pontlottyn-bargoed-wales/ http://www.rural-smallholdings.co.uk/smallholding-properties/3-bed-bungalow-with-10-acres-for-rent-in-pontlottyn-bargoed-wales/#comments Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:16:48 +0000 Rural Smallholdings http://www.rural-smallholdings.co.uk/?p=1871

This 3 bedroomed fully refurbished detached dormer bungalow which comes complete with the use of 10 acres of land for grazing purposes is currently for rent in Pontlottyn, Bargoed, Wales.

The unfurnished bungalow comprises 2 ground floor double bedrooms, lounge with laminate flooring, patio doors leading to the side garden. newly fitted kitchen with enough space for a small dining room table, leading to a newly fitted large bathroom with a separate single shower unit, with the large master bedroom in the eves of the property. There is also a garden, large garage and driveway parking.

The property is located in a beautiful semi rural setting overlooking acres of land, but is within walking distance of the village of Pontlottyn with it’s shops and amenities. There is also a train station and bus service nearby for commuting purposes.

The property is currently being promoted by Martin & Co Letting Agents.

Article by Rural Smallholdings Magazine

This smallholding comprising pretty semi-detached red brick cottage with three bedrooms, 1.5 acres of land and outbuildings is currently for sale in Beccles, Suffolk.

The cottage comprises of three bedrooms and bathroom on the first floor and entrance porch, sitting room, dining/sun room, kitchen and utility room on the ground floor. The property also benefits from double glazing, oil fired central heating and woodburning stove.

The property comes with 1.5 acres of land with two polytunnels and two greenhouses complete with grapevine, apricot and peach trees established within them. There is a well established vegetable plot and soft fruit with a highly productive bramley apple tree. A very sweet potting shed with a little veranda and various pens for dogs, chickens and livestock are situated around the property.

There are two wooden, purpose built stables with lighting, water and rubber mats onto a post and rail fenced concrete yard. Field shelter/barn in the paddock measuring 24′ x 12′. An old wooden, pan-tiled outbuilding with concrete floor and electric connected, a wood shed next door. The double garage is block built with pan tiled roof and finished with wooden feather board.

The cottage is on a level site on a small country road and is accessed via a five bar wooden gate leading to a gravelled drive to the side and the garage. The property has beautiful views from the front and the rear, with plenty of pretty walks, horse riding and countryside to explore.

The property offers an ideal opportunity for someone seeking a greener and more rural lifestyle and is being promoted on Greenshifters.

Article by Rural Smallholdings Magazine

This 4/5 bedroomed Farmhouse, with useful outbuildings and about 10 acres of pasture in 2 enclosures/paddocks is currently available to rent in Carmarthenshire, Wales.

The unfurnished 4/5 bed farmhouse comprises fitted kitchen, utility, lounge, living room, and bathroom. The smallholding is positioned privately about 14 miles North of Carmarthen with stunning views and will be available early/mid September, viewings taken now.

The property offers an ideal opportunity for someone seeking a greener and more rural lifestyle and is being promoted by Cornerstones Letting Agents (Click here to view full particulars)

Article by Rural Smallholdings Magazine

This Organic Registered Smallholding is to be sold at auction on Wednesday the 28th July at The Pavilion, Banbury Cricket Club, Whitepost Road, Bodicote, Banbury Oxon, Guide Price £150,000-£200,000.

The property has 7.8 hectares/19.25 acres of woodland and pasture with a substantial timber lodge and is situated in a private and secluded location on the Bucks/Oxon border close to Oxford and M40.

For further info on this property please contact Duncan Lang or Andrew Ranson at Fisher German by telephone on 01844 212 880, or via e-mail at thame@fishergerman.co.uk

To visit the Fisher German website to learn more about this property please Click here.

Article by 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.

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

This Grade II listed Georgian Farmhouse, with modern & traditional buildings, stabling and 47 acres is currently available to rent in Carmarthenshire, Wales.

The Farmhouse has been sympathetically restored, is part-furnished, and in a truly beautiful spot adjoining the river Teifi. The property was also featured on a 10 part Discovery Channel TV series.

The property has a productive vegetable garden, cider orchard, and a large Victorian-style glasshouse, along with 47 Acres comprising 35 acres clean pasture, 8 acres woodland, and 800m of single bank fishing on river Teifi.

This working smallholding is currently run as a fully certified organic beef & sheep farm, with herd of Hereford cattle.

The property offers an ideal opportunity for someone seeking a greener and more rural lifestyle and is being promoted on Greenshifters.co.uk. (View full particulars)

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.

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

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.

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

Article by Sarah Irving for Rural Smallholdings Magazine