Oliver Radcliffe
Why the Right Tools Matter on a Smallholding
Starting a smallholding in Cumbria is a leap of faith. The weather tests you, the ground can be heavy, and livestock have a knack for finding the weakest fence. Good hand tools are not a luxury; they are the difference between a job done well and a job that drags on into the next wet weekend. Build your kit gradually, as tasks demand, and you will learn what works on your patch. The fells and valleys here have their own rhythms, and your tools should match them.
- Fencing pliers – for wire, staples, and quick repairs
- Wheelbarrow – with a pneumatic tyre and metal tray
- Spade and fork – for ground work and muck
- Buckets – you can never have too many
Fencing and Boundaries: Your First Priority
In Cumbria, boundaries are everything. Dry stone walls need repair, but stock fencing is often the practical choice for keeping sheep in and deer out. Start with a good pair of fencing pliers – the combination tool that pulls staples, cuts wire, and hammers them home. Add a post rammer for driving stakes, a sledgehammer for gate posts, and wire strainers for tensioning. A fencing stapler saves your thumb and speeds up the job. Keep a roll of high-tensile wire, some insulators, and a gate handle or two. Electric fencing is a godsend for rotational grazing; a reliable energiser and decent earthing are essential. Don't forget leather gloves and a hammer. A pair of fencing pliers will quickly become your most-used tool.
Ground Care and Cultivation
Whether you are digging a vegetable plot, clearing rushes, or maintaining paths, you will need a sturdy spade and a digging fork. A mattock is brilliant for breaking up compacted soil or removing stones. A hoe keeps weeds down. A wheelbarrow is non-negotiable – choose one with a pneumatic tyre and a metal tray; it will handle Cumbrian mud and muck far better than a plastic barrow. A rake, a broom, and a pair of loppers for overgrown hedges. For grass management, a scythe or a brushcutter can be useful, but start with a good pair of shears. A soil rake and a seed fiddle are nice for sowing, but not essential on day one.
Livestock and Daily Chores
If you keep sheep, cattle, pigs, or poultry, you will need buckets – lots of them. Heavy-duty rubber buckets last longer than plastic. Feed scoops, a hay fork, and a pitchfork are daily essentials. A shovel for mucking out, and a stiff broom. A wheelbarrow again. For water, a large trough and a spare ballcock. A crook for catching sheep, and a hurdle or two for temporary pens. Keep a notebook and a marker pen for records. And a good pair of wellies. A good head torch is invaluable for late-night checks. A fencing pliers will also help with emergency repairs to pens and hurdles.
Maintenance and Repair
Smallholdings are full of small jobs. A claw hammer, a panel saw, a cordless drill, and a set of spanners will cover most repairs. A hacksaw for metal, a pair of pliers, and a wire cutter. A can of penetrating oil and a roll of duct tape. A set of screwdrivers. A sharpening stone for knives, shears, and tools. A vice on a sturdy bench is a wise investment. Keep a toolbox with the basics in your pickup or by the door. You will use it more than you think.
Building Your Collection Gradually
Don't rush out and buy everything at once. Start with fencing pliers, a wheelbarrow, a spade, a fork, and a bucket. Then add as tasks arise. Buy the best you can afford, and look after it. Second-hand tools from farm sales can be excellent value. Learn to sharpen, oil, and store tools properly. A dry shed with a pegboard saves endless frustration. A well-kept tool is a joy to use, and a neglected one is a curse. In time, your tool collection will become a reflection of your smallholding – practical, hard-working, and suited to your land. And remember, the right tool in hand is worth two in the catalogue.
