[downtoearth]

Hello, I have long had a dream to be a smallholder.  Just not quite managed it yet!  The nearest I've got is a large garden, about 1.5 acres. First step is, now I have 4 chickens.  Have a large polytunnel to put up. I am a bit scared to get anymore livestock, Only just moved here. Not sure if the local farmer would rent me any land. Wondered if anyone can offer any advice?  many thanks.

[Rosemary]

Hello and welcome from Carnoustie 

Don't rush - things will evolve. A couple of pigs, maybe, over summer and in the freezer in autumn?

[deepinthewoods]

other end of the country, cornwall, good luck with your plans, growing veg can be quite a challenge in itself. 

[Lesley Silvester]

  Hi and welcome from Shropshire.  I have three goats in my garden and it's no where near as big as yours.

[Bert]

Hi from the isle of mull 

[luckylady]

Hi  from Yorkshire.  We had our first harvest from polytunnel gardening this year so good luck with yours.  It served us well along with the raised beds and there is nothing like tasting your own homegrown fruit and veg.  Next year bigger veg plot and a soft fruit area planned.     Enjoy the forum.

[downtoearth]

Thanks to you all for your kind words and encouragement! It is going to be fun I'm sure.  Looking forward to all you're advice in the various topics!!

[Sudanpan]

Welcome to TAS 


1.5 acres is lots to start with! I echo Rosemary - get some weaners to fatten, they'll do a great job rummaging up and fertilising their paddock and then you can expand your veg growing area ino the pddock once they've gone to the freezer 

[Drummournie]

Very close to you in Cawdor, any help you need just shout!

[Tiva Diva]

Hi from the Borders 
I agree with Rosemary, don't rush. A couple of pigs would be a good next step. Make friends with your farmer neighbour: many farmers are (often from experience) skeptical about smallholders ability to manage livestock: ask if you can come and "help" and learn lambing etc. from him. Once he trusts you he's more likely to be sympathetic about renting you some land.
Good luck, and keep us posted!

[gillsta]

Hi from Aberdeenshire. Just learn to walk before you run. I run all the time and it gets me into serious bother. 

[darkbrowneggs]

Hi there and welcome from windy Worcestershire 

[bigchicken]

hello and welcome from the bigchicken in the kingdom of Fife, that old saying Rome was not built in a day comes to mind.

[ppd]

  Hi from a bit north of Inverness

[Mammyshaz]

Hello and welcome from Durham