Tales From River Cottage
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Having made his decision to stay in Dorset and continue the rural life, Hugh considers the big question facing the committed smallholder - how far are you prepared to go? You don't need much space for chickens, or even for pigs, but once you've got a couple of acres, all kinds of possibilities open up. It's all a question ... 24:13 Expired
Hugh recalls three years of tuning in to the wild Dorset landscape, and then feeding off it. He explains why wild food - both plants and animals - should always be a prime part of the smallholders diet, as he learns how to hunt for rabbits, roes deer, and pigeons, and how to gather edible wild plants such as elderflowers, ... 24:19 Expired
Hugh explains how the river and sea offer the smallholder a combination of escape and adventure, as well as free food - from crabs and cuttlefish to eels and pike - for fantastic fishy feasts. The beach is also a great place for a party, and can even make a practical contribution to the smallholding - with seaweed fertilis... 24:16 Expired
When it comes to acquainting yourself with the curious local customs of your newfound rural home, Hugh's basic message is - get stuck in, and no half measures. Hugh recalls how he learned new rural skills such as hedge-laying, charcoal-making, and mouse charming, and immersed himself in bizarre local antics, such as the an... 24:10 Expired
The difference between a veg garden and a smallholding is simple - livestock. And the first item of livestock every downshifter needs is a chicken or two. Hugh recalls the highs and lows of his poultry learning curve, from acquiring his first hens, and teaching them to climb his fox proof, high rise chicken hut, to his exp... 24:19 Expired
Hughs argument is that the life of a small holder should not be one of ascetic self denial, but thoroughly good living. To achieve this, you need to be a bit of a wiley entrepreneur, always ready to barter and heckle, and go to market with the excess of your harvest, so you can still have your share of the good things in l... 24:21 Expired
Good friends and helpful neighbours are an essential part of the rural idyll. Hugh recalls his initiation into the rural Dorset community around River Cottage, with highlights of hospitality at home and away, from a posh dinner at the manor house to a riotous evening at the local Cider Shed. And there are plenty of helpful... 24:18 Expired
Hugh celebrates his growing affection for pigs and pork over his three years as a Dorset smallholder. From how to buy a pig, to how to make dry-cured bacon and hams, this is a guide to all things piggy. Hugh also brings us up to date on his beloved breeding sow Delia, who he has even trained to hunt for truffles. 24:20 Expired
Hugh recalls the progress of his horticultural skills over his three years in Dorset, from putting in his first organic vegetable beds, running the gauntlet of pests, to harvesting bumper crops from his polytunnel. He also offer tips on how to triumph at the local Horticultural show - don't follow his example! 24:15 Expired
Hugh reminisces about the early days at River Cottage, and offers advice to would-be smallholders on how to find their own rural escape hatch, and get started on the good life. He goes on to recall the early learning curve of beginning a vegetable garden, acquiring livestock, and making new friends, with plenty of tips for...