BBC Television is shortly to launch a farming and small holding series on BBC2 and they hope that members of the Highland Pony Society and beyond might be interested in hearing about and perhaps even applying for the series. 

The series will feature ten couples or pairs (married couples / siblings / friends etc) who would like to grasp the opportunity to change their lives forever and run a farm/small holding. The programme will see the ten couples learn all the basics they need before decamping to a farm in the beautiful British countryside where they will be challenged in all areas of farm life, from animal husbandry to coping with the unpredictable summer weather.

The series will culminate in the winning pair getting the opportunity to live and work on their own small farm.  We’re looking for couples of all ages and relationships (married couples / siblings / friends etc.) who are serious about wanting to change their lives and who will relish farm life. Whether it’s a love of animals, a passion for gardening, an interest in sustainability and food provenance or a general lust for all things outdoors, we want to hear from anyone who thinks they’ve got what it takes to take on this lifestyle-transforming project.  

The BBC is especially looking for people who may already have some experience in working or volunteering with animals, food or nature, just some kind of demonstrated interest that would make them a credible and hopefully successful small holding partnership. It is appreciated that many of our members are probably smallholders or farmers already, but hope that this would still be of genuine interest. Similarly perhaps there are people caring for ponies or wanting to, who are not able to have a small holding amount of land who would relish this project. 

If members want to apply they should simply email with their name and contact details to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and an application form will be emailed out. The deadline for applications is 28^th April 2010.  

‘When’ a member of our Society is accepted for this television debut, I will look forward to copious articles for the newsletter!