Smallholders Course
This course runs over four full weekends from the end of October to the beginning of May. Highly practical, it looks at key activities and skills for smallholders. It also provides an understanding of legislation, health and safety, which are important within this area.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
This course is aimed at anyone who is interested in running a smallholding, or simply growing their understanding and practical skills within the land-based sector, including administration and legislation; machinery, tools and equipment; health and safety; estate skills including hedge laying, fencing and dry stone walling; grass and forage; vegetables, flowers and fruit; pigs, goats, beef, sheep and poultry. There will be a strong emphasis on sustainability within all the subject areas.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements – you just need an interest in smallholding.
What will you learn?
Week 1 – introduction to smallholding, administration and legislation, health and safety, tools, machinery, equipment use and maintenance, ground preparation techniques, autumn/winter propagation, winter maintenance, introduction to livestock husbandry including practical tasks, selling and buying, and sustainable practices.
Week 2 – boundary repair, construction and maintenance including post and rail, netting, dry stone walling, structure repair and maintenance, and sustainable practices.
Week 3 – lambing practical and theory, livestock husbandry and associated tasks (beef, sheep, pigs, goats, poultry), seed sowing and planting, and sustainable practices.
Week 4 (final week) – the smallholder’s calendar, variety of practical tasks relating to both plants and animals, pest and disease control, feeding and nutrition for both plants and animals, animal and plant health, grass and forage, and sustainable practices.
How will you learn?
This course will be taught using blended learning, with a mixture of both theory and practical actIvities.
What will you need to bring with you?
You need overalls or snag-free working clothes, steel toe-cap boots and a change of footwear for inside.
How will you be assessed?
Assessment will be informal but, on completion of the course, a College certificate will be issued.
Where next?
We also run a variety of NPTC qualifications which are industry recognised and prepare people for the land-based industry. These include pesticide application PA1, PA6A and W, PA2, tractor and loader, rough terrain telescopic handler, ATV, brushcutter and chainsaw qualifications. We also offer a range of full-time and part-time courses in agriculture, animal care, horticulture, countryside and conservation, floristry and arboriculture. Please see our website for details.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Course Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Career Information
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Thinking about returning to education or developing new skills? Use our funding calculator below to get an estimate of the financial support you may be eligible for based on where you live.
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Simply enter your postcode into the calculator to see an estimate of the funding that may be available in your area. This is based on regional funding allocations and typical eligibility criteria for adult learners.
Important:
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Funding availability can vary depending on:
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Course Information Last Updated On: October 23, 2025 1:39 pm
