This one-day course is designed for those who want to keep a few hens in the garden.

In the morning, Francine will tell you about the merits of different breeds, the life-cycle, how best to house the birds, pests and diseases etc.  She will bring  some of her beautifully illustrated small books on the subject, and others, which will be for sale, plus other useful items for the hen-keeper.  Mike&Carl Vince, breeders, will bring some of their very beautiful chickens and show you how to handle them.

 In the afternoon we will visit a garden nearby to see hens kept in ideal conditions.  They have the use of the whole garden (which is open to the public) without wrecking it.

Student comments:

Thank you for putting on the hen keeping course today. I thoroughly enjoyed myself as well as learning all I probably need to know initially to get started. I thought that Francine was extremely knowledgeable and helpful and all my questions that I had have actually been answered. Justine, too was very generous in allowing us to wander about her lovely garden. And the food was sheer joy for the palate.

It was exactly what I wanted in terms of information, and one of the nicest days out for a long time.  Thanks you.  Julie O'Neill.    Lovely course in pleasant surroundings.

Absolutely fabulous welcoming warm hearted people you are.

A fantastic day, superb food and beautiful venue!  Thank you.

Fabulous venue and food.  Really interesting course.

It's difficult to judge on course content as this is the first henkeeping course I've attended but, as all questions were answered very well by very passionate people, then I learnt as much as I needed.  The facilities and catering were also exceptional.