DOVER WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Getting Started with Goats: A Six‑Week Smallholder Workshop on a Working Farm
A practical, City & Guilds–linked course that blends classroom theory and hands‑on farm work so you can learn goat care, housing, health and breeding.
Getting Started with Goats: A Six‑Week Smallholder Workshop on a Working Farm.
This six‑week Small Holder Goat Keeping Course runs on a working smallholding in Dover and pairs classroom theory with hands‑on practice so participants learn the essentials of goat welfare, husbandry, handling and breeding while working alongside experienced smallholders.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Practice that sticks
The curriculum is built around practical farm tasks — from feeding and housing to foot care, parasite control and hands‑on kidding or mating work — so skills are learned in the pen as well as the classroom.
A recognised City & Guilds technical certificate
Completing the course earns a City & Guilds qualification in goat husbandry, handling and health, formally recognising the practical and theoretical training delivered over the six weeks.
Learn on a real smallholding with smallholder tuition
Instruction takes place on an active smallholding where participants work with a smallholder and their team, gaining exposure to everyday routines like moving goats, mucking out, ear tagging and seasonal tasks.
What the day feels like
What the six weeks feel like
Across six full days (one per week), the course alternates classroom sessions on legislation, animal welfare, nutrition and health with practical farm days that rehearse feeding, housing, handling and seasonal tasks — culminating in a hands‑on kidding or mating day, depending on the season.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The course runs over six full days (one day per week), with each day typically comprising about six hours of theory and practical work.
Bring a pair of wellies to change into, waterproof overclothing and a packed lunch for the day.
The final week focuses on kidding or mating depending on the time of year; practical seasonal tasks are included throughout the course.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course and how much time does each day take?
The course runs over six full days (one per week), with each day typically lasting about six hours.
Will I receive a qualification when I finish?
Yes — successful participants earn a City & Guilds technical certificate in goat husbandry, handling and health.
What practical skills will I learn?
The course covers feeding, housing, handling and moving, routine health checks, foot care, parasite control, vaccination and seasonal work including kidding or mating practices.
What should I bring on course days?
Participants should bring wellies, waterproof overclothing and a packed lunch.
Is the course accessible to wheelchair users or people with limited mobility?
No — the smallholding is located on a hill and is inaccessible to wheelchair users; participants must also be physically able to perform practical tasks such as handling goats and mucking out to gain the qualification.
Will I definitely attend a birth (kidding) during the course?
Kidding is part of the final week when scheduled, but actual births cannot be guaranteed; the session teaches what to look for and how to care for nannies and kids when births do occur.