Broad Leys Publishing - Poultry and Smallholding Books
specialists in books for smallholders, homesteaders, poultry keepers and organic gardeners

Smallholding Books

A really useful book for anyone planning to buy a smallholding, or start a new smallholding activity.
It offers timely advice on how to choose the right property for different needs and circumstances, as well as sorting out priorities after moving in. The book describes how activities make different demands on space, time, energy and money, with details of over 20 activities related to animals, poultry and the land.
It also provides details of where further help and advice may be obtained.

Ref: 0906137373 from Broad Leys Publishing 2004 Paperback 96 pages

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First published as The Home Dairying Book. 1978. Second edition published as Home Dairying. 1983
Third edition published as Home & Farm Dairying. 1988. Completely updated and with many new photographs, coverage includes step-by-step, illustrated instructions for making hard cheeses, soft cheeses, yoghurt, cream, ice cream and butter. Suitable for the home kitchen or small dairy.

Ref: 0906137330 from Broad Leys Publishing 2003 Paperback 104 pages

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Described as the smallholder's bible! A practical handbook for the small farmer in the 21st century, this is the essential reference book for anyone working on a smallholding, whether the intention is just to reduce living costs by producing food at home, or to earn a supplementary income through the sale of produce. Illustrated in colour throughout.
Katie starts by describing the practical requirements in terms of house, land, boundaries, buildings, tools and machinery, before moving on to the techniques of small-scale agriculture: tending the kitchen garden, orchard and pasture, growing fodder crops, and cultivation with the aid of greenhouses and poly-tunnels.
The coverage of livestock includes: bees, chickens, waterfowl, turkeys, guinea fowl, quail, peacocks, pheasants, pigs, sheep, goats, cattle and exotic species such as emus and alpacas. Highly recommended!

Ref: 1861265557 from The Crowood Press Large Format Hardback 240 pages

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Published in association with the Henry Doubleday Research Association, this new book offers a practical guide to growing organic vegetables in a range of organic farming systems in temperate climate conditions.

All aspects are covered including crop choice, fertility building and weed, pest and disease management, within a framework of rotation systems. The coverage also includes protected cropping and storage, and there is a thorough examination of the needs of specific vegetable crops, and the challenges of converting to organic production

Ref: 1 86126 788 6 from The Crowood Press 2006 Paperback 352 pages

A comprehensive guide for anyone purchasing or managing woodland. It covers buying and owning woodland; what to look for and how to avoid pitfalls; creating new woodland and factors influencing the choice of tree species; developing a management plan; broadleaves and conifers; the seasonal cycle and practical tasks; timber production and income generation from other sources; habitat and wildlife conservation.

Illustrated with colour and black and white photographs.

Ref: 1 86126 789 4 from The Crowood Press Hardback. 192 pages

A practical fence building manual for every situation, from protecting and confining large animals like cattle and horses to enclosing a few chickens. Topics include: guidance on purchasing appropriate tools and materials, constructing fences for different livestock, fencing along slopes, crossing streams and rivers, adding stiles and gates and techniques for securing posts in soft or shallow ground.

Ref: 1 86126 541 7 from The Crowood Press Paperback 144 pages