The Killowen Smallholding

The John Seymour School for Self Sufficiency

Courses in 2013
There are just 4 places left on our summer courses. All our April planting is now completed and the rains have just arrived to get things really going. You find details in the Course Booking section of the website.

Our day courses - Next day course will be Saturday 1 June - just sent an email to book.

The day courses in May were a great success - lovely weather and lots of beautiful kitchen garden to drool over. Now the potatoes are showing, the lettuce, parsnips and beetroot have been thinned and the vine in the greenhouse is already bursting with growth. We've had lovely fat lettuce from the greenhouse and excellent sprouting broccoli (despite the pigeon's best efforts) - I put 6 bags in the deep freeze yesterday and there's still more to come. Of course the weeds are keeping us busy but there's nothing like half an hours hoeing to keep you happy and well grounded.

The School

Will Sutherland runs self-sufficiency courses in France, teaching the methods and philosophy developed by John Seymour. Will worked for over 10 years with John Seymour in Ireland and, with John, created the New Complete Book of Self Sufficiency published by Dorling Kindersley. In 2010 we took our courses to the wine growing region near Bordeaux where the warm weather, swimming pool and excellent local wine made a nice change from the cooler climes of Ireland.

What our students said:

“Thank you so much: we really enjoyed the course and found it VERY interesting and helpful. And what a beautiful place in which to do it”

“Thank you for a wonderful holiday. The food has been amazing and we have really enjoyed the Class. You have a beautiful place here.”

Such great people. Such strong spirits. Great to know you guys!'

“The training and experience at St Leger was the best birthday present I could have had. Your book and your work have opened up for us a better way to enjoy life in harmony with the land and nature.”

Lots of Good Food - The students who came last year were mightily impressed with the St Leger meals they enjoyed and suggested we put the week's menu up on the website.      Good food and good conversation are important features for all those looking for a more self-sufficient and satisfying style of life!

Sunday - dinner        Asparagus tips with garlic butter sauce
                                  Slow cooked beef in red wine with onions, mushrooms and carrots with mashed potatoes and broccoli
                                  Apple crumble
                                French cheeses
Monday - lunch        Cheese, newly baked bread and salad
Monday - dinner       Globe artichokes with butter sauce
                                Salmon and haddock fish pie with salad
                                French cheeses and grapes

Vegetarian options provided. Meals are served with an excellent local Bordeaux wine bottled by students

So why strive for self sufficiency?

Self sufficiency is how we reduce our dependence on huge corporations and governments. It is a path to healthier living - better food, more exercise and the added challenge of trying new things. Whether you are growing, brewing, building or eating your own home cured bacon you are contributing to a better world and getting a good deal of fun in the process! The School for Self Sufficiency will help you do all these things as well as meeting others who share your enthusiasm.

An Advisory service.

We also offer a service advising on choosing your smallholding (click here) - this can be done on a personal consultancy basis for those who may be going through the challenging and important task of buying or planning their holding.