Small holder sheep keeping course

Kent Sheep Keeping Course

A six day practical sheep keeping course offers aspiring smallholders the essential knowledge and hands on skills needed to care for their own flock. Each training day lasts six hours and combines classroom learning with practical farm activities. The course is designed for participants aged 16 and above and offers a structured introduction to sheep welfare, legislation, feeding, housing, handling, and health care.

The early weeks focus on the foundations of responsible sheep keeping. Participants learn about animal welfare laws, registration, movements, record keeping, nutrition, housing, bedding, and cleaning. Practical sessions cover feeding, sheep accommodation, handling, and safe movement, with assessments helping participants build confidence and demonstrate their understanding.

Later sessions focus on animal health and seasonal farm work. Training covers routine health checks, preventative care, foot care, parasite control, vaccination, foot bathing, dagging, crutching, and flystrike prevention. Depending on the season, the final week focuses on either lambing or tupping, giving participants practical experience with important aspects of flock management.

The course is taught on a working smallholding by experienced smallholders and their team. Participants can work toward a recognised City and Guilds qualification in sheep husbandry, handling, and health. The course is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility, as practical work requires physical activity such as handling sheep and mucking out. Participants should bring lunch, wellies, and waterproof clothing.