Farm and working animals: general interest Books

Book SynopsisPull on your wellies, grab your flat cap and join Jeremy Clarkson in this hilarious and fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the infamous Diddly Squat FarmTHE NO. 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''Brilliant . . . laugh-out-loud'' Daily Telegraph''Outrageously funny . . . will have you in stitches'' Time Out_________Welcome to Clarkson''s farm.It''s always had a nice ring to it. Jeremy just never thought that one day his actual job would be ''a farmer''.And, sadly, it doesn''t mean he''s any good at it.From buying the wrong tractor (Lamborghini, since you ask . . .) to formation combine harvesting, getting tied-up in knots of red tape to chasing viciously athletic cows, our hero soon learns that enthusiasm alone might not be enough.Jeremy may never succeed in becoming master of his land, but, as he''s discovering, the fun lies in the trying . . ._________''Trade ReviewBrilliant . . . laugh-out-loud * Daily Telegraph *Outrageously funny . . . will have you in stitches * Time Out *Very funny . . . I cracked up laughing on the tube * Evening Standard *

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES NATURE BOOK OF THE YEARThe new bestseller from the author of The Shepherd''s Life''A beautifully written story of a family, a home and a changing landscape'' Nigel Slater As a boy, James Rebanks''s grandfather taught him to work the land the old way. Their family farm in the Lake District hills was part of an ancient agricultural landscape: a patchwork of crops and meadows, of pastures grazed with livestock, and hedgerows teeming with wildlife. And yet, by the time James inherited the farm, it was barely recognisable. The men and women had vanished from the fields; the old stone barns had crumbled; the skies had emptied of birds and their wind-blown song. English Pastoral is the story of an inheritance: one that affects us all. It tells of how rural landscapes around the world were brought close to collapse, and the age-old rhythms of work, weather, community and wild things were loTrade ReviewRemarkable ... A brilliant, beautiful book ... Eloquent, persuasive and electric with the urgency that comes out of love -- Christine Patterson * The Sunday Times *It is a book full of love: of his grandfather, of his children and of the Lake District valley where he lives and farms ... Some books change our world. I hope this turns out to be one of them. -- Julian Glover * Evening Standard *A beautifully written story of a family, a home and a changing landscape. -- Nigel SlaterJames Rebanks's English Pastoral deserves to be called a masterpiece. Four generations of his family building on centuries of their farming in the Cumbrian Fells gives us a poetic, practical, raw and almost miraculously detailed picture of this ancient way of life struggling to survive and to be reborn. This wonderful book was waiting to be written. -- Melvyn Bragg * New Statesman Book of the Year *A wonder of a book, fierce, tender, and beautiful. Deeply personal but also global in significance, its pages course with love and concern so palpable I more than once wept while reading it. James Rebanks writes lyrically and passionately of the shadow that has fallen over our relationship with land, and how we might reconfigure the ways we think about it, relate to it, interact with it, and with each other. It's both a sobering, urgent read and a deeply inspiring, hopeful one. The book, and author, are to be treasured -- Helen Macdonald * author of H is for Hawk *Powerful, important and deserves every accolade. -- Raynor WinnOne of the most important books of our time. Told with humility and grace, this story of farming over three generations - where we went wrong and how we can change our ways - will be our land's salvation. -- Isabella TreeWhat a terrific book: vivid and impassioned and urgent--and, in both its alarm and its awe for the natural world, deeply convincing. Rebanks leaves no doubt that the question of how to farm is a question of human survival on this hard-used planet. He should be read by everyone who grows food, and by everyone who eats it -- Philip GourevitchJames Rebanks's story of his family's farm is just about perfect. It belongs with the finest writing of its kind -- Wendell BerryAmbitious, accomplished ... Rebanks is eloquent - scenes of mud and guts are interspersed with quotes ranging from Virgil to Schumpeter, Rachel Carson to Wendell Berry ... English Pastoral builds into a heartfelt elegy for all that has been lost from our landscape, and a rousing disquisition on what could be regained - a rallying cry for a better future. -- Laura Battle * Financial Times *Heartfelt, rich with detail ... James Rebanks writes with his heart, and his heart is in the right place. We should listen to him. -- Jamie Blackett * Telegraph *Marvellous and moving -- Richard Flanagan, Man Booker Prize winning author of Narrow Road to the Deep NorthIt moved me to tears, made me feel excited and optimistic, and said, so eloquently and succinctly, all the things I've been thinking and feeling ... It is not just a beautiful book to read, but so important and so timely. A wonderful, thought-provoking, heartlifting read. -- Kate HumbleRapturous ... For Rebanks writing and farming have proved complementary: while working long hours on the land he has produced a book in a pastoral tradition that runs from Virgil to Wendell Berry -- Blake Morrison * Guardian *I have never met anyone so roaringly, joyously in context and content as James Rebanks, belting around his farm in the rain ... The story of Rebanks and his family is the story of what farming has been in Britain but, also, the story of what it could become -- Caitlin Moran * The Times *Perfectly judged, it made me cry (twice) and left me with a new understanding of agriculture, and a real sense of hope. -- Melissa HarrisonWonderful ... I can't imagine anyone starting to read English Pastoral and not being eager to read it all at once, as I did -- Philip PullmanA heartfelt book and one that dares to hope. -- Alan BennettA home-grown Georgics for the twenty-first century * The Tablet *A wonderful and timely account of one farmer's lifelong effort to do right by his family, his land, his animals and his ecosystem -- Nick OffermanLyrical, evocative, generous ... Thank the gods of agriculture for James Rebanks -- Kristin Kimball * New York Times *A book of toil and beauty, rooted in a fell farm in the Lake District ... English Pastoral is a nuanced, hopeful, honest story. It is essential reading. * Geographical Magazine *The power of English Pastoral lies not just in the passion and eloquence of its prose or the clarity of its argument. It carries the authority of one who has not just thought about these problems, but lived them. It is a timely and important book. * TLS *Beautiful and shocking, but ultimately so gloriously hopeful. The book we should all read as we emerge from this latest strangeness. -- Paula HawkinsI can't remember a book I've wanted to press into people's hands more this year than this resonant, immensely thoughtful look back at three generations of a farming family ... Managing to cram the whole modern history of British farming and nature into 270 beautifully written pages, this is a gem that's moving and immensely informative. -- Andrew Holgate * The Sunday Times Nature Book of the Year *A rare and urgent book ... Its beauty is not only in the writing but in what is behind it: a gentle and wise sensibility that is alive to the human love affair with the land and yet also intimately cognisant of our collective and systematic cruelty towards it. -- Hisham MatarI think, genuinely, this is the best book I've read this year, and one of the most important books of recent years. It is about food and farming, and how we eat what we eat. It's about progress and nostalgia, without being prideful or mawkish, it's about families and tradition, and the passing of time. It made me simultaneously proud to be British, and sad for what we have become, but hopeful that we can change. -- Adam RutherfordJames Rebanks combines the descriptive powers of a great novelist with the pragmatic wisdom of a farmer who has watched his world transformed. This is a profound and beautiful book about the land, and how we should live off it. -- Ed CaesarThrough the eyes of James Rebanks as a grandson, son, and then father, we witness the tragic decline of traditional agriculture, and glimpse what we must now do to make it right again. As an evocation of British landscape past and present, it's up there with Cider With Rosie. -- Joanna BlythmanA beautiful and important book. -- Sadie JonesEnglish Pastoral is a work of art. It is nourishing and grounding to read ... this brave and beautiful book will shape hearts and minds. -- Jane Clarke, author of When the Tree FallsA wonderful, humane book told through the eyes of a man who has watched much vanish from his land, and now wants to put it back ... Moving and illuminating. -- Benedict Macdonald, author of RebirdingJames Rebanks describes the life of a Lakeland working farmer from the inside with a unrivalled truth and eloquence -- Tom Fort, author of Casting ShadowsVivid, accessible, inspiring - a story about one man's emerging land ethic, and an appreciation of the old ways in modern times. A vital book for anybody who eats -- Kathryn Aalto, author of Writing WildJames Rebanks is a beautiful writer, in a unique position to describe the challenges currently being faced by farmers throughout the world. English Pastoral is a joy to read and extremely moving - a book which should be read by every citizen. -- Patrick Holden, Sustainable Food TrustFarming, unlike almost any other job, is bound up in a series of complex ropes that Rebanks captures in his own story so beautifully: family pressure and loyalty, ego, loneliness, and a special kind of peer pressure...English Pastoral is going to be the most important book published about our countryside in decades, if not a generation -- Sarah LangfordA deeply personal account by a farmer of what has happened to farming in Britain. Everyone interested in food should read this compelling, informative, moving book -- Jenny LinfordRebanks is a rare find indeed: a Lake District farmer whose family have worked the land for 600 years, with a passion to save the countryside and an elegant prose style to engage even the most urban reader. He's refreshingly realistic about how farmed and wild landscapes can coexist and technology can be tamed. A story for us all. * Evening Standard, Best Books of Autumn 2020 *Moving, thought-provoking and beautifully written. -- James HollandEnglish Pastoral is one of the most captivating memoirs of recent years ...The traditional pastoral is about retreat into an imagined rural idyll, but this confronts very real environmental dilemmas. Like the best books, it gives you hope and new energy. -- Amanda Craig * Guardian *James Rebanks has a sharp eye and a lyrical heart. His book is devastating, charting the murderous and unsustainable revolution in modern farming ... But it is also uplifting: Rebanks is determined to hang on to his Herdwicks, to keep producing food, and to bring back the curlews and butterflies and the soil fertility to his beloved fields. Truly a significant book for our time. * Daily Mail – Books of the Year *Lyrical and illuminating ... will fascinate city-dwellers and country-lovers alike. * Independent – 10 Best Non-Fiction Books of 2020 *A lyrical account of Rebanks' childhood on the Lake District farm that he's made famous; an account of how he learned about stockmanship and community and the rhythms of the land from his father and grandfather. [...] His writing is properly Romantic, which is a high compliment [...] Rebanks is obviously a wonderful human as well as a splendid writer. -- Charles FosterA lament for lost traditions, a celebration of a way of living and a reminder that nature is 'finite and breakable.' Mr. Rebanks hits all the right notes and deserves to be heard * Wall Street Journal *The most important story, perfectly told -- Amy LiptrotMemorable, urgent, eloquent ... Rebanks speaks with blunt, unmatched authority. He is also a fine writer with descriptive power and a gift for characterisation ... English Pastoral may be the most passionate ecological corrective since Rachel Carson's Silent Spring -- Caroline Fraser * New York Review of Books *

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Book Synopsis'This book deserves a place in your bookcase next to Harari's Sapiens. It's every bit as fascinating and is surely destined to be just as successful' Julian Norton From the plains of ancient Mesopotamia to the vast sheep farms of modern-day Australia, sheep have been central to the human story. Since our our Neolithic ancestors' first forays into sheep-rearing nearly 11,000 years ago, these remarkable animals have fed us, clothed us, changed our diet and language and financed the conquest of large swathes of the earth. Sally Coulthard weaves this fascinating story into a vivid and colourful tapestry of engaging anecdotes and extraordinary ovine facts, whose multiple strands celebrate just how pivotal these woolly animals are to almost every aspect of human society and culture. This title was published also in the United States under the title Follow the Flock. 'A snappy, stimulating book, and certainly not just for shepherds' Mail on Sunday 'Full of fascinating social history' Independent 'You won't look at a sheep in the same way again' Country LivingTrade ReviewSally Coulthard's story of how sheep shaped the human story is full of rich pickings... Full of fascinating social history' * Independent *Global in scope, with fascinating vignettes from the ancient world to the present day, this is anything but woolly * BBC History Magazine *A snappy, stimulating book, and certainly not just for shepherds * Mail on Sunday *Overflows with anecdotes and ovine facts with Coulthard showing how intrinsic sheep have been to human society and culture * This England *This book deserves a place in your bookcase next to Harari's Sapiens. It's every bit as fascinating and is surely destined to be just as successful -- Julian NortonI absolutely LOVE this... It's a perfect light-hearted informative history' -- Philippa SandallSally Coulthard weaves the rich and fascinating story of sheep into a vivid and colourful tapestry... Sally's book is threaded with engaging anecdotes and remarkable ovine facts' * Yorkshire Post *[An] intriguing book... You won't look at a sheep in the same way again' * Country Living *Love a sheep? Yorkshire writer Sally Coulthard has the ovis covered! * Yorkshire Life *You often see them on walks, but what do you really know about the woolly bleaters? Sally Coulthard reveals mind-boggling facts in her new book * Country Walking *The rich and fascinating story of the sheep, masterfully told. Such a splendid book * Waterstones *Over the course of some 300 pages, Sally Coulthard weaves the rich and fascinating story of sheep into a suitably colourful woollen tapestry' * Countryside *I've been listening to A Short History of the World According to Sheep... Light-hearted and fun, it is also fascinating and I feel like I have learnt so much' * Scottish Book Trust *Author Sally Coulthard stitches together fascinating tidbits, exploring the sheep's relationship to human civilization and culture * Spin Off *Coulthard's lively history celebrates the millennia-old relationship between humans and ovines from prehistoric times to The Yorkshire Shepherdess, and looks to a future in which sheep play a part in sustainable agriculture * Daily Mail *

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER''Affectionate, evocative, illuminating. A story of survival - of a flock, a landscape and a disappearing way of life. I love this book'' Nigel Slater''Triumphant, a pastoral for the 21st century'' Helen Davies, Sunday Times, Books of the Year''The nature publishing sensation of the year, unsentimental yet luminous'' Melissa Harrison, The Times, Books of the YearSome people''s lives are entirely their own creations. James Rebanks'' isn''t. The first son of a shepherd, who was the first son of a shepherd himself, he and his family have lived and worked in and around the Lake District for generations. Their way of life is ordered by the seasons and the work they demand, and has been for hundreds of years. A Viking would understand the work they do: sending the sheep to the fells in the summer and making the hay; the autumn fairs where the flocks are replenished; the gruelling toil of winter when the sheep must be kept alive, and the light-headedness that comes with spring, as the lambs are born and the sheep get ready to return to the fells.Trade ReviewTwo pages into The Shepherd's Life, I was gripped. Twenty pages in, I was amazed. By its end, I knew I'd read an extraordinary book, at once political and beautiful - a major addition to the modern British literature of landscape, that can stand alongside Ronald Blythe's classic Akenfield as a portrait of a place and its people as seen from within -- Robert MacfarlaneA very good book -- Alan BennettAffectionate, evocative, illuminating. A story of survival - of a flock, a landscape and a disappearing way of life. I love this book -- Nigel Slater, author of Toast and The Kitchen DiariesBloody marvellous -- Helen Macdonald, author of H is for HawkA powerful - and quietly electrifying - meditation... Page by page, he builds what amounts to a 21st-century pastoral manifesto. The book is an unsentimental education, part history of farming in the Lake District, part personal memoir. And yet it still soars... Rebanks's prose is beautifully sure-footed -- Helen Davies * Sunday Times *A remarkable achievement... Utterly unsentimental, The Shepherd's Life is, nevertheless, profoundly moving... The human values that imbue The Shepherd's Life are, perhaps, ones that Britain, disillusioned and scandal weary, could do with being reminded of right now -- Melissa Harrison * Financial Times *Rebanks's enthusiasm and talent for poetic writing is infectious... [His] words create not only a gorgeous landscape painting of the Lake District and its inhabitants, human, animal, bird and fish, but also a useful social document... What is most striking about this book is its authenticity; this is the real thing -- Carol Midgley * The Times *A wonderfully detailed and candid account of a life that is both individual and typical of this role in rural society... told with perfect pitch, in prose that flows as easily as speech, cleaves hungrily to the particular, and shifts without strain between the workaday and the imaginative -- David Craig * Guardian *Absorbing, often funny, and beautifully written... a testament to the importance of maintaining a connection to the land * Observer *Captivating... A book about continuity and roots and a sense of belonging in an age that's increasingly about mobility and self-invention. Hugely compelling -- Michiko Kakutani * New York Times *Exceptional... Rebanks's way with words is akin to that of that of an expert shearer with the clippers - swift, deft, skilled - and the resulting prose is lean, vivid, tough and handsome. I loved his book. It is one to restore faith in writing and the business of publishing - a story not like any other, told from the inside by someone whose passion for his subject lights up almost every sentence -- Tom Fort * Literary Review *An unforgettable survivor's book that raises important questions, not least about education... one of the most truthful depictions of contemporary rural life that I have read -- Richard Benson * Independent *More than a tribute to a rare and doughty tribe. If hills could speak, this is surely a tale the fells would tell -- Horatio Clare * Telegraph *An enlightening, exquisitely written account... I was beguiled by this book, an eloquent love-letter to a cherished way of life -- Brian Viner * Daily Mail *May well do for sheep what Helen Macdonald did for hawks -- Stephen Moss * Guardian *Punchy, well-read and occasionally lyrical... a glorious book, alive with the author's voice, which is strong and individual, as befits a man who makes a living in this ancient but precarious way. Most striking is its honesty * Herald Scotland *Rebanks offers a fascinating account of his life in farming that is in equal parts memoir, social commentary and procedural. Even for the most committed urbanite, it's a brilliant read -- Alexander Larman * Observer *James Rebanks's unsentimental, sharply detailed memoir about his life as a shepherd gripped me from the first page -- Moira Hodgson * Wall Street Journal *A timely and important book, with flashes of beauty in its spare and honest prose -- Sadie Jones, author of The OutcastIn James Rebanks we hear a new voice from the fells. The toil and the beauty in The Shepherd's Life are utterly compelling -- Nicholas Crane, author of CoastA vivid, honest, unforgettably written account not just of one shepherd's year, but of an ancient way of life -- Lucy Dillon, author of A Hundred Pieces of MeThe Shepherd's Life is a reader's delight. No tourist wandering the iconic Lake District is Rebanks; coming from centuries of farmers he is as 'hefted' to the fells as the Herdwick sheep he keeps. He lives, breathes and works his landscape - which gives him an inside edge as sharp as shears over most of the flock of current countryside-writers. Rebanks has written a marvellous autobiography - of himself, his family, and the hills themselves. For they are indivisible -- John Lewis-Stempel, author of MeadowlandWhat came through was the stolid humility, gentle stubbornness and genuine care you need to live this life. Many books are written about a thing but this book is of a thing and is valuable for it -- Cynan Jones, author of The DigThe Shepherd's Life is that rare thing, a well-written book about the life of the land by a man who gets his living from the land. It's a paean for a peopled landscape, and a powerful counterblast to the doleful environmentalism that would empty our land of its people -- Philip Walling, author of Counting SheepBeautifully written -- Alan Cumming, actor and author of Not My Father's SonIrreverent, honest, achingly beautiful and totally authentic. Rebanks challenges us to understand what would be lost if no one remembers the seasons of a shepherd's life or the culture of sheep farming. His joy is as contagious as his writing -- Linda Lear, author of Beatrix Potter: The extraordinary life of a Victorian geniusTruly extraordinary... written with a mastery of vivid, concrete detail that makes you gasp * WI Life *A wonderful book which will surely become a Lake District classic. Powerfully written and unflinchingly honest, it provides a vivid insight into the realities of hill farming life -- Angus J L Winchester, Professor of Local & Landscape History, Lancaster UniversityA gorgeous book, unsentimental but exultant, vivid and profound, and a fierce defense of small-scale farming -- Maryn McKenna * National Geographic *A beautifully told tale suffused by a profound sense of belonging and a clear-eyed love of the land and its people. * Sunday Morning Herald *His prose is earthed and conversational; it feels as if you're leaning over a gate, listening to his ruminations. The book exudes tough passion, and a sense of belonging and love that holds you rapt to the very last line * Intelligent Life *

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Book SynopsisPresents the 41 breeds of sheep you are most likely to encounter on farms, each with a full-page photo and a description of their appearance, history and uses. Only the size of a postcard, the book fits perfectly into a rucksack or pocket so is ideal for the interested rambler who is keen to discover more about the flock fleeing from him at the time. Clear color photographs taken of sheep 'straight from the field' illustrate the immense diversity within this species. This is the bestselling title from the `Know Your' series.

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times Top 10 bestseller by the shepherdess and star of Channel 5’s Our Yorkshire Farm.'With its fizzing energy and celebration of nature and community, this is perfect comfort reading for uncertain times' – Daily MailAmanda Owen loves her traditional life on her hill farm alongside her nine children and husband Clive. And, as readers of her previous bestsellers will know, every day at Ravenseat brings surprises. In Adventures of the Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda takes us from her family’s desperate race to save a missing calf to finding her bra has been repurposed as a house martin’s nest, and from wild swimming to the brutal winter that almost brought her to her knees. As busy as she is with her family and flock though, an exciting new project soon catches her eye . . .Ravenseat is a tenant farm and may not stay in the family, so when Amanda discovers a nearby farmhouse up for sale, she knows it is her chance to create roots for her children. The old house needs a lot of renovation and money is tight, so Amanda sets about the work herself, with some help from a travelling monk, a visiting plumber and Clive. It’s fair to say things do not go according to plan!Funny, evocative and set in a remote and beautiful landscape, this book will delight anyone who has hankered after a new life in the country.Trade ReviewAmanda’s life is one of old-fashioned values, hard graft and plenty of love. She, like her life, is extraordinary. -- Ben FogleWith its fizzing energy and celebration of nature and community, this is perfect comfort reading for uncertain times. * Daily Mail *A fabulous read * Woman's Weekly *A really lovely, lyrical story of the ups and downs of their life. -- Daily Mail on A Year in the Life of the Yorkshire Shepherdess

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Book SynopsisThe fast and easy way to start and maintain a hive Beekeeping For Dummies is a practical, step-by-step beginner''s guide to beekeeping. It gives you plain-English guidance on everything you need to know to start your own beehive, from buying the right equipment, sourcing bees, and locating your hive to maintaining a healthy colony and harvesting honey. Plus, you''ll get the latest information on the causes and effects of bee disease, colony collapse disorder, and the impact the sudden disappearance of the honeybee has on our environment and economy. Here, you''ll get trusted information on beekeeping in the UK, specifically written to address climate, buying equipment, locating hives, the local impact of colony collapse disorder and ways to avoid or minimise the risk to your hive, seasonal beekeeping tasks, local beekeeping associations, and updated content on urban beekeeping. Understand the anatomy of your bees Learn techniques andTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 About This Book 1 How This Book Is Organised 2 Part I: Getting Hooked on Honey Bees 2 Part II: Starting Your Adventure 2 Part III: Looking Inside Your Hive 3 Part IV: Common Problems and Simple Solutions 3 Part V: Sweet Rewards 4 Part VI: The Part of Tens 4 Icons Used in This Book 4 Where to Go from Here 5 Part I: Getting Hooked on Honey Bees 7 Chapter 1: To Bee or Not to Bee? 9 Discovering the Benefits of Beekeeping 10 Harvesting liquid gold: Honey 11 Bees as pollinators: Their vital role in ensuring our food supply 11 Helping the bees; helping the environment 13 Passing on your knowledge 13 Good for your wellbeing; good for your health 13 Determining Your Beekeeping Potential 15 Environmental considerations 15 Being responsible and considering others 16 Costs and equipment 16 Time and commitment 17 Beekeeper personality traits 17 Overcoming Fear of Stings 17 Knowing what to do if you’re stung 19 Building up a tolerance 19 Watching for allergic reactions 20 Chapter 2: Life Inside the Honey Bee Hive 21 Basic Body Parts 21 Skeleton 22 Head 22 Thorax 24 Abdomen 25 The Amazing Language of Bees 25 Pheromones 25 Shall we dance? 26 Dividing Honey Bees into Three Castes 27 Her majesty, the queen 27 The industrious little worker bee 30 The woeful drone 34 The Honey Bee Life-Cycle 35 Egg 36 Larva 37 Pupa 37 Part II: Starting Your Adventure 41 Chapter 3: Locating Your Hive 43 Getting Over ‘Buzz Off!’: Consulting Family and Neighbours 43 Location, Location, Location: Where to Keep Your Hives 45 Providing for your thirsty bees 47 Understanding why your honey varies in colour and flavour 49 Knowing When to Start Your Adventure 50 Chapter 4: Stocking Up on Basic Beekeeping Equipment 51 Finding Out about the Modified National Hive 52 Knowing the Basic Parts of the Hive 53 Hive stand 54 Floor 55 Entrance block 55 Brood chamber 56 Queen excluder 58 Super 58 Frames 59 Foundation 61 Crown board 65 Roof 66 Ordering Hive Parts 66 Preparing for assembly 67 Adding on Feeders 68 Miller and Ashforth rapid feeders 68 Bucket feeder 69 Frame feeder 71 Stocking Up on Your Personal Beekeeping Equipment 72 Smoker 72 Hive tool 73 Covering Up with Bee-Proof Clothing 74 Veils 74 Gloves 75 Really Helpful Accessories 76 Elevated hive stand 76 Frame rest 78 Bee brush 78 Other necessities 79 Chapter 5: Obtaining and Hiving Your Bees 81 Determining the Kind of Bee You Want 81 Deciding How to Obtain Your Initial Bee Colony 83 Picking a reputable bee supplier 84 Deciding when to place your order 84 Buying a nucleus colony 85 Transferring your nucleus to a hive 86 Purchasing an established colony 87 Capturing a wild swarm of bees 88 Ordering package bees 88 Meeting and Greeting: The Day Your Bees Arrive 89 Bringing home your bees 90 Feeding your bees 90 Buzzing with Excitement: Putting Your Bees into the Hive 91 Part III: Looking Inside Your Hive 97 Chapter 6: Opening Your Hive 99 Setting an Inspection Schedule 99 Preparing to Visit Your Hive 100 Making ‘non-scents’ a part of personal hygiene 101 Getting dressed up and ready to go 101 Lighting your smoker 102 Opening the Hive 104 Removing the crown board 106 The Hive’s Open! Now What? 107 Chapter 7: What to Look for when You’re Inspecting 109 Exploring Basic Inspection Techniques: Examining a Full Colony 109 Removing the first frame 110 Working your way through the hive 112 Holding up frames for inspection 112 Understanding what to look for every time 113 Replacing frames 117 Closing the hive 118 Establishing a Colony from a Nucleus 119 Managing your nucleus 119 Starting your Colony with a Package of Bees 121 Checking in: A week after hiving your bees 121 The second and third weeks 124 Weeks four to eight 125 Chapter 8: Your Work throughout the Seasons 129 Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer 129 Your summer to-do list 130 Your summer time commitment 130 Falling Leaves Point to Autumn Tasks 131 Your autumn to-do list 131 Making one hive from two 133 Your autumn time commitment 134 Clustering in a Winter Wonderland 134 Your winter to-do list 135 Your winter time commitment 136 Spring Is in the Air: Starting Your Second Season 137 Your spring to-do list 137 Making two hives from one 138 Your spring time commitment 140 Administering spring medication 141 Reversing hive bodies 141 Part IV: Common Problems and Simple Solutions 145 Chapter 9: Heading Off Potential Problems 147 Avoiding Absconding 147 Swarming 148 Absconding 156 Where Did the Queen Go? 157 Letting nature take its course 157 Ordering a replacement queen 158 Introducing a new queen to the hive 158 Avoiding Chilled Brood 160 Dealing with the Dreaded Robbing Frenzies 161 Knowing the difference between normal and abnormal (robbing) behaviour 161 Putting a stop to a robbing attack 162 Preventing robbing in the first place 162 Ridding Your Hive of the Laying Worker Phenomenon 163 How to know if you have laying workers 163 Getting rid of laying workers 164 Preventing Pesticide Poisoning 166 Chapter 10: Treating Diseases and Considering Colony Collapse Disorder 169 Medicating when Necessary 170 Knowing the Big Six Bee Diseases 170 American foulbrood (AFB) 171 European foulbrood (EFB) 172 Nosema 172 Chalkbrood 173 Sacbrood 174 Stonebrood 174 A handy chart 174 Shedding Some Light on Colony Collapse Disorder and Vanishing Hives 177 Unlocking the mystery of the Mary Celeste hives 177 Discovering more about CCD 178 Exploring Potential Causes of CCD 179 The mobile phone theory 179 Pollinating insect research 179 A Final Word 181 Chapter 11: Buzz Off! Dealing with Honey Bee Pests 183 Preventing Parasitic Mites 183 Varroa mites 183 Controlling Varroa the natural way 192 Acarine (Tracheal mites) 193 Wax Moths 196 Ants, Ants and More Ants 197 Keeping Out Mice 198 Dealing with Birds that Have a Taste for Bees 199 Pest Control in a Nutshell 199 Chapter 12: Raising Your Own Queens 201 Why Raising Queens Makes You Proud 201 Accentuating the Positive: Choosing Good Traits 202 What Makes a Queen a Queen 204 Buzzing with love: Queen mating 205 Creating Demand: Making a Queenless Nuc 206 Queen Rearing: The Miller Method 207 Using an Artificial Swarm to Raise Queens 211 The Doolittle Method: Grafting 212 Tools and equipment 212 How it’s done 214 Trying Out the Jenter System 216 How it’s done 216 Providing nuptial housing 219 Finding a Home for Your Queens 220 Part V: Sweet Rewards 223 Chapter 13: Getting Ready for the Golden Harvest 225 Choosing Extracted, Comb, Chunk or Soft-Set Honey 226 Using the Right Equipment for the Job 228 Honey extractors 228 Uncapping knife 229 Honey strainers 229 Other handy gadgets for extracting honey 230 Comb honey equipment 233 Honey containers 233 Planning Your Honey Harvest Set-Up 233 Labelling and Selling Your Honey 235 Creating an attractive label 235 Finding places to market your honey 237 Chapter 14: Honey, I’m Home: Harvest Time 239 Knowing When to Harvest 240 Getting the Bees Out of the Honey Supers 241 Shakin’ ’em out 242 Using a bee escape 242 Fume board and bee repellent 244 Food of the Gods: Honey Extraction 246 Cleaning Up after Extracting 249 Controlling wax moths 249 Harvesting wax 250 Part VI: The Part of Tens 253 Chapter 15: Ten Fun Things to Do with Bees 255 Starting an Observation Hive 255 Planting Flowers for Your Bees 257 Brewing Mead: The Nectar of the Gods 259 Getting Creative with Propolis 262 Propolis tincture 263 Propolis ointment 263 Making Candles and Polish from Beeswax 263 Beeswax candles 264 Beeswax furniture polish 264 Beauty and the Bees 265 Beeswax lip balm 265 Beeswax and olive oil salve 265 Getting up Close with a Microscope 266 Chapter 16: Ten Frequently Asked Questions about Bee Behaviour 267 Chapter 17: Ten Delicious Honey Recipes 271 Appendix A: Helpful Resources 279 Honey Bee Websites 279 Apiservices 279 Bee Master Forum 279 BeeHoo 280 British Beekeepers Association 280 Bush Farm 280 Cornwall Honey 280 David A. Cushman 280 The Beespace 281 Vita (Europe) 281 Bee Organisations and Conferences 281 Apimondia: International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations 281 The BBKA Spring Convention 282 Bee Diseases Insurance Ltd (BDI) 282 Bee Improvement and Bee Breeders Association (BIBBA) 282 International Bee Research Association 283 The National Bee Unit of the Central Science Laboratory 283 The National Honey Show 283 The National Farmers Union 284 Bee Journals and Magazines 284 American Bee Journal 284 BBKA News 284 Bee Craft 285 Bee Culture 285 The Beekeepers Quarterly 285 Bee World 285 Beekeeping Supplies and Equipment 285 The Bee Shop 286 B. J. Sherriff 286 Brunel Microscopes Ltd 286 Compak 287 Giordan 287 Maisemore Apiaries Ltd 288 Modern Beekeeping 288 National Bee Supplies 288 Swienty Beekeeping Equipment 289 E. H. Thorne 289 Appendix B: Glossary 291 Index 297

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Book Synopsis'An important book on several levels... Read a few sentences out loud, wherever you are.' Rosamund YoungEverybody thinks they know what sheep are like: they're stupid, noisy, cowardly ('lambs to the slaughter'), and they're 'sheepwrecking' the environment.Or maybe not. Contrary to popular prejudice, sheep are among the smartest animals in the farmyard, fiercely loyal, forming long and lasting friendships. Sheep, farmed properly, are boons to biodiversity. They also happen to taste good and their fleeces warm us through the winter - indeed, John Lewis-Stempel's family supplied the wool for Queen Elizabeth's 'hose'.Observing the traditional shepherd's calendar, The Sheep's Tale is a loving biography of ewes, lambs, and rams through the seasons. Lewis-Stempel tends to his flock with deep-rooted wisdom, ethical consideration, affection, and humour. This book is a tribute to all the sheep he has reared and sheared - from gregarious Action Ram to sweet Maid Marion. In his inimitable style, he shares the tales that only a shepherd can tell.Trade ReviewI found this book not only pleasingly escapist but also nostalgic... the writing is vivid, lyrical and seductive... There's a romance to shepherding that is entirely absent from pig and poultry farming. * The Times *The Sheep's Tale is an important book on several levels... Read a few sentences out loud, wherever you are; everyone should know more about sheep. -- Rosamund Young, author of The Secret Life of CowsA book of brilliant authenticity. Lewis-Stempel's affection for, and empathy with, sheep springs off every page. -- Sally Coulthard, author of A Short History of the World According to SheepJohn Lewis Stempel's paean of praise for our wonderful and unique breeds of British sheep ought to be widely read. Sheep and pastoral farming are coming under increasingly strident onslaught and they will need every ounce of support they can get if they are to survive into the future. -- Philip Walling, author of Counting SheepThis little book is both delightful and useful. * Country Life *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Finally, an up to date reference book for goat keeping. This book covers every possible topic you need to know about goats, goat breeds and goat keeping… an essential part of every goat keeper’s reference library. Highly recommended to anyone new to goat keeping or thinking about keeping goats. It is also useful for experienced goat keepers, covering topics relevant to the 21st Century.” -- Jo Tavernor, English Goat Breeders Association * English Goat Breeders Association *

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Book SynopsisIn Gundog SOS, respected trainer, judge and competitor Laura Hill takes an in-depth look at common mistakes and what can be learnt from them. She looks at avoiding potential pitfalls in the first place, unpacks bad behaviour', analyses the relevance of the relationship between trainer and dog, and gives practical strategies for improvement in training partnerships. Supported by illustrations, case studies and exercises, this essential resource comprehensively addresses the most frequently occurring training problems and provides workable solutions to help readers to improve or fix them.

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Book SynopsisHave fun at the farm with this new collection of minis from Kerry Lord and her Edward’s Menagerie animals. This is one of the new gift series from TOFT (Kerry’s yarn company), which contains four books, each with 25 crochet patterns on a different theme: Ocean, Wild, Farm and Pets. These mini animals are quick and easy to make so they are perfect for the beginner as well as giving the more advanced crocheter an afternoon’s fun. The books are practically organised so you start with the easiest pattern and, as you grow in confidence, you continue through the book, mastering the art of crocheting animals, from the little chick to the fluffy sheep, producing high-quality collectibles to keep or give as thoughtful, homemade gifts. This range of mini animals are totally new patterns for fans, new and old, to get hooked to. Sitting at 8cm (3 inches) tall, you can make your own cute collection, which could be used to create a nursery mobile, a board game, key rings and much more! Whether you’re in front of the TV, commuting to work or having a relaxing afternoon, these projects are perfect for bringing mindfulness and creativity into your day. Patterns in the series will include:Farm: Pony, Alpaca, Sheep, Goat, PigOcean: Whale, Shark, Lobster, Starfish, Manta RayWild: Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhino, BuffaloPets: Cockapoo, Iguana, Angora Bunny, Tabby Cat, Tarantula

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Book SynopsisFarm dogs and family dogs move seamlessly throughout Colin Whittemore's life and no one understands the give-and-take between humans and canines better than him. Shepherding, ratting, ferreting, herding, guarding, child-minding, comforting and bonding dogs have done all this and more for him.

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Book SynopsisLambing can be a challenging prospect whether it's your first or your thirty-first season. This highly practical manual will take you through the period approaching, during and immediately after lambing.

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Book SynopsisDid you know that Bad-Tempered Bradford Cattle are used for rodeos? Impress friends and relatives with interesting facts about 45 breeds of cattle, including their appearance, personality, history, breeding, milk-producing capabilities, and other fun facts. From the strong Ayrshire who produces ideal milk for ice cream, to the pampered Wagyu, whose beef is said to reduce cholesterol, this fascinating guide will turn both adults and children into cow enthusiasts.

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Book SynopsisDid you know that the Appenzeller Chicken can climb trees? Discover fun fowl facts, and get acquainted with 44 breeds, each accompanied by a description of the bird's appearance, its history and breeding, and details of its personality, egg-laying, and flying abilities. From the spirited American Game Fowl, to the calm and docile Wyandotte, this fascinating guide will turn both young and old into a chicken enthusiast.

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Book SynopsisThis book marks the birth 300 years ago on 23rd May 1725 of Robert Bakewell, the agricultural innovator, famous for rearing Longhorn Cattle, New Leicester Sheep and improving working horses. Probably the most famous son of Loughborough, he initiated the Dishley Society, named after Dishley Grange, where he farmed, to control the hiring out of the best rams that he and his friends had raised. The book Robert Bakewell and the Longhorn Breed of Cattle was published in 1995, and the New Dishley Society was established around that time, to coincide with the 250th anniversary of his death. The New Dishley Society has, since then, been researching Bakewell's legacy and promoting his name, and this book presents the results of their activities. The new material provides an extensive genealogy, covering his breeding methods and innovative farming practices, whilst he worked against the prejudices of his largely backward-looking farming neighbours. It explains the survival of his breeding business during his bankruptcy through support from his family, like-minded agricultural innovators and friends and his Unitarian network. The book describes his extensive export activities and his correspondence with George Washington, who sought his advice on improving his farming estate at Mount Vernon. Robert Bakewell's story is set within the social and economic framework of the times, fully referenced, the text aims to provide a detailed explanation of his importance and legacy.

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Book SynopsisAll the information you need in order to start keeping poultry: what features to look for, good poultry husbandry, and a beautifully illustrated guide to poultry breeds of the world.

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Book SynopsisThe thing about farms is, there are lots of noises. But this was a CRUNCH and a CRASH which aren't good noises. Especially when Bruce the boar is around . . .

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Book SynopsisThe second edition of bestselling Keeping Bees with a Smile shows beginner and practicing beekeepers how to attract local bee swarms, keep bees healthy and productive, build simple bee-friendly hives, and harvest honey without stressing bees. Chock-full of techniques for natural beekeeping. Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsForeword— The Bee Book That Makes Sense: A Roadmap to Natural Beekeeping Part I: A Path to Natural Apiculture A Brief Introduction How It All Got StartedA Small Side Note The Industrial and Natural Approaches The Bee Colony's Intelligence The Goals of This Book The Tree Hollow as the Bees' Natural Home Some Useful Facts about Comb The Bee Colony's Developmental CycleA Year in the Life of a Bee Colony A Word or Two on Wintering The Ideal Comb: How Deep Is Deep Enough? Winter Ventilation of the Beehive Bee Races The European Dark Bee Bee Diseases Symbiosis in Nature (A Philosophical Digression) Bees and Their Enemies A Bit of History The History of the Frame Modern Systems of Industrial Beekeeping Bees in the Industrial Hive A Word or Two about Swarming "Little to Smile About" Is There a Way Out? The History of Horizontal Hives with Extra-Deep Frames The Modern Horizontal Hive The Horizontal Hive with Extra-Deep Frames Using the Extra-Deep Frame Part II: The Practice of Natural Apiculture A Description of the Horizontal Hive with 25 Extra-Deep Frames How to Keep Bees in a Horizontal Hive with Extra-Deep Frames The Central Commandments of Natural Beekeeping A Beekeeper's Tasks in Spring and Summer Fall Procedures: Pulling Honey and Preparing for Winter How to Make Extra-Deep Frames BrushstrokesHow to Capture a Swarm in a Swarm Trap Responsibility Questions and Answers Epilogue to Parts I and II Part III: The Finer Points of Natural Beekeeping Three Years Later Principles of Natural Beekeeping Revisited The Recipe for Success in Beekeeping Nectar Resources Bee Race and Colony Strength On the Mean Bees The QueenThe Vital Rhythms of a Bee Colony The Death of Bee Colonies Various Approaches to Natural Beekeeping More on SupersedureSwarming How to Collect a Swarm The Hive Entrance Spring Inspection of Bee Colonies Spring Buildup of Bee Colonies Preparing for the Main Honeyflow The Main Honeyflow and the Second Half of Summer Pulling Honey and Preparing for Winter Questions and Answers Part IV: How Bee Colonies Winter, And How to Make Wintering as Successful as PossibleIntroduction The Facts: What You Must Know about the Wintering Process of an Individual Bee and of the Colony as a Whole The Colony's Main Job During the Winter The Thermal Physics of a Wintering Colony Bee Respiration in the Winter Cluster The Role of Water in the Wintering Process The Search for the Ideal Home for a Bee Colony The Physiological Condition of a Colony as It Enters the Winter Period Winter Reserves The Location of Winter Reserves The European Dark Bee Wintering Indoors Conclusions to Part IVAfterword Afterword to the Second Edition: Natural Beekeeping Accessible to All Appendix 1: How to Make Swarm Traps and Capture Swarms Appendix 2: How to Produce, Install, and Unite Swarms Appendix 3: Nucs: What to Expect and How to Handle Them Appendix 4: Operations Throughout the Year Appendix 5: How to Build a Horizontal Hive with Extra-Deep Frames (Version 1) Appendix 6: How to Build a Horizontal Hive with Extra-Deep Frames (Version 2) Appendix 7: Lazutin Hive Plans (US Version 4— New)Appendix 8: Summary Handouts Glossary Index About the Author / Editor About New Society Publishers

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Book SynopsisThe instant no. 2 Sunday Times bestseller!Join the Nicholson family for this heartwarming journey through a typical springtime on their South Yorkshire farm.Throughout the book they reflect on the childhood stories, testing times, poignant memories and enriching experiences that have shaped the lives they lead today. With the coming of a new season, Roger and Cynthia Nicholson and their sons Richard, Robert and David show how the farming year is shaped around the arrival of baby goats, lambs, calves and piglets galore.As Yorkshire's premier open farm attraction, Cannon Hall Farm continues to play host to thousands of visitors and spring is the busiest time of the year. People flock to meet the new arrivals and catch up with old favourites such as the llama and alpaca posse, the stunning shire horses and the irrepressible Shetland ponies, including Ozzy Horsebourne and Jon Bon Pony.Along with all the animal antics, Springtime at Cannon Hall Farm features tales of bygone days when traditional skills, crafts and daily practices shaped life in the countryside. And for fans of Rob and Dave's Channel 5 shows, there are lots of behind-the-scenes secrets you won't want to miss...

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Book Synopsis'Retire? You can't retire!', Sir David Attenborough told John Bartram, when the man who has been gamekeeper and senior wildlife officer for Richmond Park for the past thirty years announced his intention to step away from the role, bidding farewell to the iconic park which has been his home, the backdrop for a career many would give anything for, and a way of life for so long.During a career spanning four decades John has been the behind-the-scenes mastermind ensuring the welfare and maintenance of Richmond Park's world-famous herd of deer - widely thought of as the finest herd in captivity. Working with these fabled creatures has demanded balancing their needs with the very real, and often fatal, dangers the park's visitors pose to his herd, and John pulls no punches when it comes to his opinion on the deer's place in the scheme of things, the human 'invaders' and the collision of their two worlds.A remarkable diary chronicling the final year of John's charmed life as the guardian of Richmond Park, this memoir tells of the unique demands of each new season, and of the enormous wrench he will feel upon no longer waking up in the midst of so much unchanged and wild beauty.Park Life is a treasure trove of stories and memories, some poignant and moving, others offbeat and hilarious: from the quirk of fate and farcical interview that led to him getting the job, to living in close-quarters with the deer, the tragedy of putting down fatally wounded animals, and the annual ritual of the rut - as dependable as the rising and setting of the sun.

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Book SynopsisFrom The Yorkshire Vet, Matt Jackson-Smith brings his fascinating, funny, engaging and honest memoir as he opens his case book to reveal what life is really like as a Yorkshire vet in the 21st Century.

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Book SynopsisThe Smell of Summer Grass is the story of the years spent in finding and building a personal idyll, sometimes a dream, sometimes a nightmare, by writer Adam Nicolson and his wife, cook and gardener, Sarah Raven.Without knowing one end of a hay baler from the other, Adam Nicolson and Sarah Raven, fed up with London and with life, escaped with his family to a run-down farm in the Sussex Weald. Looking for Arcadia, they found a mixture of intense beauty and profound chaos. Over three years they struggled with dock leaves, spring flowers, bloody-minded sheep and neighbours before eventually arriving at some kind of equilibrium.Funny, poetic, ironic and wise, The Smell of Summer Grass' is based partly on the long out of print ''Perch Hill''. It traces the growing intimacy between man and his chosen place, his love affair with it and his frustrations with its intractable realities. As an attempt to live out the pastoral vision, it makes one heartfelt plea: we should never abandon our dreams.Trade Review'Candid, observant and often very funny' Daily Mail 'A delightful memoir – a reminder that the very best writing starts at home' Robert McCrum, Observer Praise for ‘The Mighty Dead’: ‘Thrilling and unsettling … [a] wonderfully expressive alloy of travelogue, scholarship and advocacy, which broods with heartfelt grace … Nicolson's books always shine with the Homeric virtues of eloquence, passion, generosity, audacity and candour … He does them proud’ Boyd Tonkin, Independent ‘A beautiful study: full of insight, generosity and unaffected passion. The writing is exhilarating’ Guardian ‘A thrillingly energised book … it transmits a whole worldview at once decipherable and dramatically strange … To read Homer is to be struck by what Nicolson calls ‘time-vertigo’ – and this book is one that holds your hand and encourages you to peer over the edge. To read it is to have a fat pair of Homeric jump-leads attached from Nicolson’s sparkling and crackling faculties to your own’ Spectator ‘As gripping as a thriller and as delicately constructed as a sonnet … an astonishing tour de force that reveals Homer to be at once as ancient as papyrus and as modern as MTV … Not only does he have an inward understanding of how Homer’s poetry works, his own prose also has the sharp glitter of a poet’s eye’ Telegraph

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Book SynopsisFROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE SECRET LIFE OF COWS''Elegiac, funny, warm and wise, The Wisdom of Sheep will delight country folk and city dwellers alike.'' KATHERINE MAY''A wonderful antidote to the hectic pace of modern life.'' JAMES OSWALDWe talk about people behaving like sheep, which assumes that sheep all behave in the same way. That has not been my experience.Some are affectionate, others prone to head-butting. Some are determinedly self-sufficient, others seek our help when they need it. And some can be trusted to lead the flock home. They are as individual as we are.Farm animals are familiar to us from childhood stories, but little did we know that their inner lives are full of complexity, deep bonds and family dramas. Rosamund Young has been an organic farmer for over forty years and this is her record of a life at the beck and call of the animals while observing and preserving the abundant wildlife at Kite's Nest Farm. It is a story of joy, discovery, cooperation and sometimes heartbreak. We learn about sheep growing old disgracefully, the intelligence of supposedly bird-brained' hens, conversations' between cows and why you should never send a text whilst milking . . .''Delightful.'' ALAN BENNETT, ON THE SECRET LIFE OF COWS

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Book SynopsisWhat is it about the humble pig that holds such a special place in our hearts?In a frosty field on the longest night of the year, eight little piglets snuffle their first breaths, and jostle close to their mother to feed...So begins the life of the farm animal that you think you already know. But think again... This is the magical account of the life and times of a gang of Saddleback pigs, from one of the most forward-thinking organic farmers in the United Kingdom.Helen Browning shines a light on the secret lives of these mischievous, intelligent, and inventive animals - and shares her vision for the future of ethical farming.If you liked The Secret Life of Cows and A Shepherd''s Life, you''ll love this evocative and illuminating tale...What people are saying about Helen:''A woman who won''t be cowed in the war against titan farms'' - Independent''Pioneering'' -

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Book SynopsisBringing animal therapy to the yoga mat.

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Book Synopsis'The shepherdess whose flock you definitely need to follow' - Hello!'A new breed of shepherdess blazing a trail across social media, challenging outdated ideas about the job and capturing the public's imagination along the way' - Daily MailZoë Colville left her life as a hairdresser in a fancy London salon for the rolling hills and hard graft of life on a Kent farm. One where the only use for a hairdryer is warming new-born lambs; where the cycle of life on a farm gives new meaning and purpose, and where nature is both a strict teacher and a source of ultimate satisfaction.In this memoir, Zoë brings her trademark hilarious, heartfelt voice to tell readers all about her transformation from hairdresser to farmer, and the lessons she learned along the way, from mental health, social media and identity to surviving as an entrepreneur in a shifting economy. And through those lessons - in love, loss, and lambing - discovering something even more important: that it's always the right time to take a bold step and try something new.Trade ReviewA new breed of shepherdess blazing a trail across social media. * Daily Mail *Humorous, gritty and enlightening -- Martin Chilton * The Independent *One of the industry's most well-known shepherdesses. -- Emily Ashworth * Farmers Guardian *

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Book SynopsisKeeping Geese is a complete guide to the domesticated goose. It shows how this intelligent bird has been absorbed into different cultures throughout history: from the taming of the Greylag and the Swan goose to the exhibition of the mighty Toulouse, the story of the goose is intimately involved in both Eastern and Western cultures.

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Book Synopsis'An enchanting picture of farming life, full of warmth and humour' ~ Katie Fforde It seems an impossible dream at first for Sue and Aubrey. She is a horse-mad girl strongly attracted to the idea of farming, Aubrey is the son of a farm manager without land or money. But with limited knowledge, much enthusiasm and the challenge of raising their young family, anything can happen. This is the true story of a shepherding life; where icy nights are spent searching for lost sheep, the lambing sheds are filled with the first cries of newborns, and idyllic summers are spent in the show ring. Amusing, poignant and beautifully detailed, this is a book about how dreams can grow from small beginnings into breeding prize-winning Texel sheep in the Cotswolds. Sue and Aubrey Andrews are internationally renowned breeders of pedigree Texels. The first book in the 5* reviewed series

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Book Synopsis'a delightful and funny memoir of her family's crazy life in the English countryside. Perfect escapist reading for these locked-down times.' - SALMAN RUSHDIE'a heartwarming tale of country living' - SUNDAY EXPRESS'a charming memoir and a perfect choice for these unsettling times' - DEVON LIFE'A total joy... enchanting, hilarious and vivid... Beautifully written, richly informative...' - LIZ CALDER'A gem ... A heart-warming memoir of moving to the glorious Cornish countryside and taking up farming is the perfect antidote to city life.' - NIKOLA SCOTT"A love letter to the British countryside...a wonderfully earthy story of fresh Cornish air...an adventure from start to finish." - TOWN & COUNTRY"A light-hearted account of 30 years of trial and error on a Cornish farm...I loved every minute..." - SAGAEver dream of packing up and escaping to a simpler life on the land, just the Cornish landscape and a few cows and goats rising up to greet you each day? When Rosanne and her husband left city life for the Cornwall idyll they knew little of farming, the seasons and milking; but over time they found their way, rising to each new challenge and embracing all that the land gave them.Growing Goats and Girls lovingly and invitingly charts the rural, hardworking and joyfully haphazard lives of Rosanne and her husband as they escape London to live off the land. In their tumbled-down farmhouse in Cornwall, they learn to rear goats, chickens, cows, bees - and two children - get to grips with unruly machinery and cantankerous farmers, and chart the changing seasons in glorious countryside over thirty years.Heart-warming and uplifting in its celebration of the simple things, this earthy portrait of life on the land taps into our collective imagination. After all, who hasn't dreamed of new beginnings, escaping into nature and living more simply. Growing Goats and Girls reminds us to appreciate the fleeting, timeless moments of beauty, nature and the simple comforts of family life.

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Book Synopsis*WATERSTONES WELSH BOOK OF THE MONTH*My Family and Other Animals meets The Secret Life of Cows: this rediscovered gem tells the charming tale of how a baby llama transformed a Welsh farming family forever.Things llamas like:Snaffling cherry brandy, Easter eggs, and the Radio Times.Curling up in ''tea-cosy'' position by the fire.Orbiting, helicoptering, and oompahing. Locking victims in the lavatory. Things llamas dislike:Being adopted mother to an orphaned lamb.Invitations to star on Blue Peter. Snowdonia's rainfall. The dark. Ruth Ruck's family live on a Welsh mountain farm, no strangers to cow pats on the carpet and nesting hens in the larder. When dark days strike, they embark on a farming experiment to cheer them all up but raising a baby llama proves more of an adventure than expected Reissued with a new foreword by John Lewis-

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Book SynopsisWe often consider dogs to be our enduring sidekicks but the truth is domestic pigs have played a role in our lives for nearly as long.Pigs are highly social and smart. They like to play. They're inventive, crafty and belligerent and incredibly singleminded.Ultimately, we have far more in common with these creatures than we like to admit.Here is a charming ode to one of the most common, yet surprisingly intelligent, animals populating our landscapes. In this gentle and illuminating study, Matt Whyman embarks on a journey to uncover the heart and soul of an animal brimming with more energy, intelligence and playfulness than he could ever have imagined.In his bid to understand what makes a pig tick, having climbed a steep learning curve as a keeper himself, Whyman meets a veterinary professor and expert in pig emotion, as well as a spirited hill farmer whose world revolves around hogs and sows.Packed with fascinating research and delightful anecdotes, this entertaining and informative ceTrade Review'An engaging book about porcine brilliance' The Daily Express For Pig in the Middle/Oink: My Life with Mini-pigs: ‘Move over Marley, a pair of cute mini-pigs are about to take over the world.’ New York Post ‘This merry memoir of family growing pains and too many pets has so many laugh-out-loud sequences it's embarrassing to read in public… the most good-hearted, hilarious memoir in years.’ Shelf Awareness ‘What a fabulous, funny read! I enjoyed every page. Highly recommended for anyone with a pet, a partner, a family, a sense of humour…or even a minipig.’ Sophie Kinsella ‘Funny, frank and charming.’ Lisa Jewell ‘Definitely my favourite pigs since Babe… funny and completely charming.’ Jenny Colgan ‘Written with wry humour and accompanied by numerous photographs, ink is a moving salute to love, family and commitment.’ Richmond Times-Dispatch ‘Be careful where you read this book because it is laugh-out-loud funny… Whyman has a flair for self-deprecating asides and for making the "ordinary" sparkling. It's compelling, bristles with irony and is sure to delight animal lovers.’ Daily Telegraph (Sydney) ‘A darling book – very funny and definitely for animal lovers.’ ABC

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Book SynopsisA concise practical handbook on high welfare standards in pig farming for people who work directly with animals. The aim is to improve animal health and farm profitability through introducing good husbandry practices and finding low cost solutions to improve welfare for the animals. Aimed at farmers, stockmen, food industry personnel and agricultural students, the book explains why welfare is important for the animal and the farm, what good welfare looks like, how to measure welfare in practice using assessment tools, and practical advice for improving welfare for pigs.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Understanding pig welfare 2. Making the business case for animal welfare 3. Assessing Animal Welfare 4. What you can do to improve animal welfare

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Book SynopsisJohn Connell is a multi-award-winning author, film producer, investigative journalist and farmer. His documentary programs have won over a dozen international awards. His number-one bestselling memoir The Cow Book was awarded Popular Non Fiction Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards. He lives in County Longford.

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Book SynopsisPractical Sheep Keeping [new paperback edition] explains everything you need to know to manage sheep and keep them healthy. Aimed particularly at the keeper of the small flock - say around thirty ewes - the principles nevertheless apply to flocks of all sizes. From choosing and buying, through housing, feeding and routine management, to breeding and lambing, Kim Cardell offers sound advice based on many years' experience.

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Book SynopsisDogs of the Shepherds is a book for all those who admire the most valuable of all the working dogs, the pastoral breeds: sheepdogs, cattle dogs and flock protection dogs, the indispensable farmer's servants and companion dogs for thousands of proud dog-owners across the globe. Painstakingly researched and packed with information, this book is not a manual covering training, grooming, nutrition and dog care; it is very much a reflective review of the pastoral dogs' contribution to the working and companion dog scene. It is a searching examination of their past, their performance and their prospects in an increasingly urban society.

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