Dimensions
189 x 246 x 20mm
Downshifting has become synonymous with selling up, starting a smallholding and escaping the rat race. Some people are lucky enough to purchase a property large enough to ensure that the whole family is self-sufficient, but for most only enough land will be available to make smallholding a hobby. Accordingly, this book caters for those with a small amount of land and for the lucky minority with a much larger acreage. Many of the books currently available mention only the pleasures of owning a smallholding, this volume adopts a pragmatic approach and discusses the many pitfalls. Topics covered: Examines the essential characteristics of a smallholding with reference to location, size, water sources, safety and security, tools and machinery Discusses the all-year-round vegetable patch, and how to create an orchard and grow fruit Considers practical poultry keeping and beekeeping Analyses what is involved in keeping cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, horses, donkeys, rabbits, walls, fencing and grassland management Presents ideas and information on recycling, composting rainwater storage, and the natural harvest of the hedgerow, fields and woods AUTHOR: J.C Jeremy Hobson is a freelance countryside writer living in rural France. As well as his numerous books (seven of which are published by Crowood), he writes an extremely popular ?Rural Riddles' column in French Property News, and is well known to readers of magazines such as Smallholder and Fancy Fowl. He lives in France. Phil Rant is a retired British civil servant who now resides deep in the French countryside. He has contributed articles on gardening and related subjects to various journals and magazines over many years. His interests are woodworking, gardening and writing. He lives in France. 106 colour photos
