The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Introduce yourself => Topic started by: Martyn on January 11, 2014, 04:28:08 pm

Title: New smallholder coop near Lanark
Post by: Martyn on January 11, 2014, 04:28:08 pm
Hello I have access free of charge to 2,500 acres plus buildings etc. most of the land is covered in trees however a couple of bits are ripe for a small holding and my boss has given me permission to do this. I would like to form a coop and get going ASAP there is power and water and I am getting the road upgraded, a site office is now there as of yesterday and I am sorting a stove etc for inside it. Looking at a poly tunnel that is for sale locally and really keen to find like minded folk! Let me know if interested.
Title: Re: New smallholder coop near Lanark
Post by: kelly58 on January 11, 2014, 05:13:12 pm
Great idea  :thumbsup: Good luck, you will get loads of ' input' on here.
Hi from caithness  :wave:
Title: Re: New smallholder coop near Lanark
Post by: Martyn on January 11, 2014, 05:23:56 pm
Thanks Kelly, I am really keen to get it going but need help as although I am enthusiastic I lack the knowledge I need. Only thing I have experience with is hens !!!
Title: Re: New smallholder coop near Lanark
Post by: HappyHippy on January 11, 2014, 06:00:10 pm
Hi and welcome to TAS  :wave:

I'm over at Lesmahagow and keep pigs, Shetland cattle and poultry. Happy for you to visit and find out more  :thumbsup:
Drop me a pm or email on [email protected]
Karen
Title: Re: New smallholder coop near Lanark
Post by: Martyn on January 11, 2014, 06:09:08 pm
Will do, my folks are in lesmahagow, I'm in Biggar.
Title: Re: New smallholder coop near Lanark
Post by: GuardianCroft on January 13, 2014, 02:16:37 pm
Good luck with it all. Sounds like a very interesting proposition.

Maybe you could set up a Facebook page, or some other 'promotion' for it. That'll get it out to even more like-minded people; as well as all the amazingly helpful people who seem to populate this place.   :)
Title: Re: New smallholder coop near Lanark
Post by: Fleecewife on January 13, 2014, 02:59:08 pm
Will do, my folks are in lesmahagow, I'm in Biggar.

I'm just a couple of miles north of Biggar if you want to see how we do things. We keep sheep and hens, have a polytunnel, fruit, wildlife bits and so on.  pm me if you are interested.
Title: Re: New smallholder coop near Lanark
Post by: Martyn on January 13, 2014, 04:04:51 pm
Will be creating Facebook and Twitter accounts shortly, already got a basic website in the pipeline. Sticking posters up at Lanark market as well. Fleece wife will do. I am between Biggar and wolfclyde.
Title: Re: New smallholder coop near Lanark
Post by: Martyn on January 13, 2014, 04:25:52 pm
I suppose the biggest question/thoughts at this stage are around how do we prioritise? What do we need to start etc. poly tunnel/fencing/clearing ground
Title: Re: New smallholder coop near Lanark
Post by: Martyn on January 16, 2014, 06:19:36 pm
Stuck a poster up at Lanark market yesterday and had a couple calls already, hoping to build enthusiasm and have some other ideas but all ideas and people welcome !!!
Title: Re: New smallholder coop near Lanark
Post by: benkt on January 17, 2014, 10:15:59 am
Sounds great Martyn! We started up a community farm in Cambridgeshire about three years ago and are going strong with about twenty member families who all contribute time and money and receive the resulting produce. If you want a chat about getting a CSA off the ground PM me and we can have a chat!

http://www.hempsalsfarm.com/ (http://www.hempsalsfarm.com/)
Title: Re: New smallholder coop near Lanark
Post by: Martyn on January 20, 2014, 04:10:04 pm
That's great, thank you for the offer. Will def pm you.
Title: Re: New smallholder coop near Lanark
Post by: Martyn on January 23, 2014, 01:40:58 pm
Great to meet happy hippy the day and see all the pigs, and realising that we had met before.... Small world! Thank you for all the help and advice and look forward to seeing you again.
Title: Re: New smallholder coop near Lanark
Post by: Lurkio on January 23, 2014, 02:45:32 pm
You might want to try the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society - www.saos.coop (http://www.saos.coop)


They help co-ops in agriculture to set up.
Title: Re: New smallholder coop near Lanark
Post by: Martyn on January 24, 2014, 10:07:42 am
Brilliant, had a look at the site and it has loads of really useful info.
Title: Re: New smallholder coop near Lanark
Post by: benandjerry on January 24, 2014, 07:52:56 pm
Sounds great, also a great way to gain experience when one has none (such as myself).  If one were to be started in the Scottish Borders, give me a shout. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: New smallholder coop near Lanark
Post by: Martyn on January 26, 2014, 08:29:39 pm
Defo, wee article going in the local papers this week as well as adverts round the village notice boards. Really hope it's a success as we want to use it for education and health reasons as well.