[naturescenter]

Hello there! I'm Nick, I'm a student of organic agriculture at Emerson college in Sussex. When I leave I am aiming to set up a small holding and put into practice what I have learnt during my studies. A recurring theme I have come across however on visting smallholders is how hard it is to earn a living. I have even come across the belief that a smallholding can be nothing more than a 'hobby farm'. This spurred me on to set up this questionaire for a college project to explore deeper into what makes a successful smallholding. If you can spare 5 minutes of your time (or if you know of other small holders please pass this on) it will be a big big help to me! please click on the link for the questionaire MANY THANKS!!!

http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=6jiemlfou096l97679251

[Rosemary]

There have been  a number of threads on here about whether you can make a living from smallholding - check them out, for information.

[doganjo]

And most of them have said no you can't

[cmorrell]

Unfortunately I'm a wannabe smallholder at present, so I can't helpfully complete your questionnaire. However, I believe that while it would be incredibly difficult (but not impossible) to survive solely on the proceeds from the smallholding itself, if you consider other uses for the land and buildings in addition to the norm, there's a chance of a decent income from it. This will be a lot easier if you have other skills which are in demand and allow a highish hourly rate, of course.

[doganjo]

So look for accountants or lawyers that are wannabee smallholders and you're on a winning ticket - I'm too old to work so I don't qualify!

[cmorrell]

Those would be decent options. Others could be consellors in private practice; plumbers; builders; artists able to make a living from their art, especially those who would benefit from the space; landscape gardeners who could create a number of show gardens around their home; musicians (that's more of a blessing for the rest of us, to be fair ) ... basically anyone able to command a high enough hourly rate and choose, to a certain degree, when they work in order to split time between working the smallholding and bringing in additional money.

[Fergie]

Survey completed,

John

[Sylvia]

I, too have completed the survey, hope it's of some help!

[Weedy]

And me.
Would be intrested to know what your results are and what you conclude from them.
Cheers Weedy.