The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Introduce yourself => Topic started by: Dans on June 02, 2012, 01:50:02 pm

Title: Hello from a newbie
Post by: Dans on June 02, 2012, 01:50:02 pm
Hi

My name is Dans, and I'm terrible at introductions. I grew up in London and always wanted the great escape. I now live in Midlothian where I study with my fiance, 3.5 cats (fostering one), several fish and a growing vegetable patch in the garden. We are hoping to rehome some ex-bat chickens in the coming months. My studies have brought me closer to agriculture and, along with a recent dive into knitting, crochet and hand spinning, I have developed a love for sheep. I also enjoy foraging for wild foods, making home brew wines, camping and horseriding.

All in all I am aspiring to delve into the world of small holding. Like many I'm sure I would like a bit of land and an opportunity to become more self sufficient and, if possible, make a bit of money on the side. There are some friends that may join us on this dream, we will see how it pans out. It won't happen for another 2-3 years yet but I thought I'd take the time to learn as much as I can beforehand, try and scare myself off as much as possible, and if I'm still keen when the time comes then it'll be a good sign.

Hoping to meet a few people and learn a lot!

Right hopefully that's ok for an intro.

Dans
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: Possum on June 02, 2012, 03:43:18 pm
A great intro! Welcome to TAS and I hope that all your plans and dreams work out.
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: Bionic on June 02, 2012, 03:43:29 pm
Hello and welcome Dans.  :wave:
Thats much more of an introduction than most people give so well done.
You have come to a great place. There are experts on here for all of your areas of interest so I am sure you will find it useful.
Sally.
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: MAK on June 02, 2012, 03:47:49 pm
Great intro and welcome from a hot and sticky Limousin. hope you get as much from the site as we do. Reading old threads is just as important to me as contributing to new ( when I can). Lots of experience and knowledge out there.

hope all goes well !!!
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: Small Farmer on June 02, 2012, 05:12:06 pm
Welcome to the well-balanced forum (we all have a chip on each shoulder).  You'll find a lot of the experienced users don't know what to say either...
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: NickiWilliams on June 02, 2012, 05:23:22 pm
Hi Dans, nice intro!! Not an expert, by any stretch of the imagination! Hope you get to realise your dream! Kindest regards. Nicki
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: Rosemary on June 02, 2012, 06:16:15 pm
Hi, Dans

welcome to TAS from sunny Carnoustie  :wave:

We have an Introduction to Smallholding course running on 7th July, with a few places still available if you fancy it. There are some useful (IMHO  ;D ) articles on the main site that might help too.

Look forward to hearing more from you,
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: Ina on June 02, 2012, 06:35:04 pm
Hiya - welcome from a bit further north!

What course are you studying?
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: Fleecewife on June 02, 2012, 07:17:44 pm
Hello from South Lanarkshire  :wave:    I cheated by never doing an intro at all  ;D     I'm sure you won't be scared off from smallholding, but it's a great idea to learn as much as you can before you start.   Good Luck with it  :sheep:
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: Dans on June 02, 2012, 09:00:47 pm
Thanks to all for the welcome.

I'm tempted by the course. First need to sit down with the friends and have the serious discussions so courses may be next year. I've been reading through the articles and will no doubt be asking lots of questions soon.

I'm currently doing a PhD in Liver fluke in sheep. The more I see of the country life the more I want it. Half way though the course so probably another year and half before I technically finish and another 3-5 months until I actually finish.

Dans
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: Fleecewife on June 02, 2012, 09:16:45 pm
Yum yum - liver fluke  ;D .  Please do share what you learn with us as that is a subject close to many smallholders hearts  :sheep: .
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: Dans on June 02, 2012, 09:21:45 pm
Yum yum - liver fluke  ;D .  Please do share what you learn with us as that is a subject close to many smallholders hearts  :sheep: .

Yep it can be a nasty one. I'm looking into better diagnostics, which can detect early infections before the bulk of damage is done. Fingers crossed I can come up with something!

Dans
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: deepinthewoods on June 02, 2012, 10:09:13 pm
hi from cornwall! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: Mammyshaz on June 02, 2012, 10:16:20 pm
Hi dans  :wave: from Durham.  Also dreaming of a smallholding life. At present we have 2 allotments with hens, fruit and veg.
Dogs and a chinchilla in the house along with a couple of kids ( two legged) and the OH.

It sounds like you will have plenty of knowledge of agri things before you even start. Good luck with the studies
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: Bert on June 03, 2012, 07:18:44 am
Hi from the Isle of Mull  :wave:
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: Big Light on June 03, 2012, 07:58:23 am
Hi Dans welcome to the forum  - sounds like your research will really be of interest on this forum - Good luck with your plans
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: Ina on June 03, 2012, 08:19:25 am

I'm currently doing a PhD in Liver fluke in sheep. The more I see of the country life the more I want it. Half way though the course so probably another year and half before I technically finish and another 3-5 months until I actually finish.

Dans

SAC then?
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: tizaala on June 03, 2012, 10:05:53 am
Welcome Dans, Having a smallholding is like having kids, Do a costing on the whole thing then If you wait until you can afford them you would never get round to having them. But if you jump in feet first somehow it pans out. :innocent: 
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: NickiWilliams on June 03, 2012, 07:26:13 pm
Hi Dans, would be really interested in the liver fluke updates  ;D Good Luck with the research and keeping all crossed you do, indeed, come up with something!!  :wave:
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: Lesley Silvester on June 03, 2012, 10:24:44 pm
 :wave:   Hi and welcome from soggy Shropshire.  Great idea to learn beforehand rather than try to find out when you're in the thick of a problem.
Title: Re: Hello from a newbie
Post by: SallyintNorth on June 03, 2012, 11:13:41 pm
Welcome Dans  :wave: and good luck on your journey.