We retired to a Smallholding!!!!  We knew life would be busy, especally when the land you buy needs lots of love and attention!

Shortly after our arrival - within the first year - our neighbour asked if we would like to buy 110 acres.  We knew that we could not afford all of it, so bought what we could.  From smallholding to small farmer at the stroke of a pen!!!!! meant we needed animals apart from our 3 much loved horses (1 Conamar (now given to grand-daughter), 1 British Registered Thoroughbred and 1 adorable Clydesdale).

Hunting became restricted in Scotland and in England the Ban was just coming in.  We felt very strongly about People's Rights and the way people have lived for centuries should not be interupted.

My husband and I felt we needed to try and support people working in all aspect of hunting, fishing, shooting and farming - so heads together - over a good evening meal and debated as to what we should do if we had a website, which resulted in the purchase of www.BritishTraditionalFieldSports.co.uk and we were on our way!

Back on the small farm - summer 2009 - we are in the process of buying cattle - 2 Belted Galloway cattle (Brian and Bluebell) with a view to buying more.  A very hardy breed from the South-West corner of Scotland, which is small in statue - an ancient breed.

Sheep - Arrived at the end of September 10 Lleyn (the breed originates from The Lleyn Pennisula in North Wales, UK.  A much under estimated breed - hardy and easy to lamb - idea for smallholders and hobby  farmers. 

Back in the office - things are moving along nicely.  My husband has written and submitted articles to magazines in the UK.  We are now seriously considering submitting articles to other magazines in other countries to raise awareness.

We are very pleased with the quick response from Eastern Europe....and more recently the USA and Canada ....  life is certainly not dull....

Christmas was not dull - well we were snowed in so it was mince and potatoes for Christmas Dinner and the freezer had decided to stop working the day after the snow came.

Happy Days

Margaret Steen.