The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Introduce yourself => Topic started by: Susie on April 28, 2010, 08:35:12 pm

Title: Hello from Mid-Wales
Post by: Susie on April 28, 2010, 08:35:12 pm

Hi,
We are due to complete on the purchase of 14 acres of land next week. It's something we've been trying to do for years but the closer it gets the more scared I am! Planning to have a huge polytunnel and a forest garden, plus chickens, pigs and some sheep. Will start off with the veggies straight away but not really sure what to go with next - can't afford to get everything all at once even though we'd love to. Any advice greatly appreciated!
 ;D

Title: Re: Hello from Mid-Wales
Post by: Sharondp on April 28, 2010, 09:01:05 pm

Hi Susie

We're on the other side of the Welsh Border (only just!) in Ross-on-Wye and we have three acres - we have chickens, sheep and hopefully pigs soon, plus a mini polytunnel, and my lawn has been sacrificed for a veggie patch!

We've only been here since december - my advice would be not to try and do too much too soon - the dream will evolve slowly. Chickens are quite straghtforward to start with if you have identified an area for them - nothing like your own fresh eggs!

Good luck with it all and keep popping back here - everyone is so very helpful - there really is no such thing as a silly question on here! ;D

Sharon

Title: Re: Hello from Mid-Wales
Post by: Rosemary on April 28, 2010, 10:09:16 pm

Hi and welcome to TAS!

Title: Re: Hello from Mid-Wales
Post by: little blue on April 28, 2010, 10:13:39 pm

hello and welcome
just ask anything...  !

Title: Re: Hello from Mid-Wales
Post by: Daisys Mum on April 28, 2010, 11:27:06 pm

Hi and welcome from The Scottish Borders, would agree chickens are a good place to start. I think where you go next depends on your land and the state of your fencing. I thought mine was ok till my shetland sheep arrived and I spent days rounding them up and bringing them back home.
It all takes time though and money so take your time and enjoy it.

Title: Re: Hello from Mid-Wales
Post by: Annie22 on April 29, 2010, 02:32:44 am

Hi and welcome from Australia.

Title: Re: Hello from Mid-Wales
Post by: HappyHippy on April 29, 2010, 07:55:00 am

Hello from me in South Lanarkshire  :wave:
Chickens are definately the best place to start - really easy, don't take up much time, space or cash.
Like Daisy's mum has said take time checking out your fencing (especially if you're considering pigs) and doing a bit lot of planning before getting anything else - it's much easier to redraw plans than it is to move pigs  ;)
Good luck and keep us posted with developments
Karen x

Title: Re: Hello from Mid-Wales
Post by: JulieS on April 29, 2010, 09:18:57 am

Hello and welcome from Devon  :)

Title: Re: Hello from Mid-Wales
Post by: Touchwood on April 29, 2010, 09:58:27 am

Hi Susie  :wave:  and welcome from Carmarthenshire

Title: Re: Hello from Mid-Wales
Post by: Susie on April 29, 2010, 10:50:58 am

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I think we'll definitely start with chickens then. Feel much more excited and less overwhelmed about focussing on one thing first. We have to fence all the land within one month of purchase as a condition of the sale - and loads of it is unfenced. ::) But at least we know that when we're ready for the sheep in the future the fencing will be there ready and waiting.

Title: Re: Hello from Mid-Wales
Post by: doganjo on April 29, 2010, 10:53:44 am

Do they specify what type of fencing?  If not, the quickest and cheapest is post and wire - just two or three strands.  You can then add stock wire fencing as and when you need it

Title: Re: Hello from Mid-Wales
Post by: sandy on April 29, 2010, 12:29:55 pm

Hellooooooooooooooooo  :wave:, from Clackmannan......not land, only a back garden and chickens  :D

Title: Re: Hello from Mid-Wales
Post by: Susie on April 29, 2010, 02:21:46 pm

Hi,

It specifically says we have to provide stockproof fencing and maintain it forever and ever (words to that effect anyway). Have been quoted £4 per metre. Does that sound right?

Thanks

Title: Re: Hello from Mid-Wales
Post by: Simon O on April 29, 2010, 02:32:34 pm

Hi there we will be following your exploits with interest as we are in a similar situation! Simon

Title: Re: Hello from Mid-Wales
Post by: Daisys Mum on April 29, 2010, 07:37:40 pm

Susie £4 a metre sounds ok to me I paid £5

Title: Re: Hello from Mid-Wales
Post by: Susie on April 29, 2010, 08:07:16 pm

Thanks Daisys Mum.

Simon, will let you know how we get on. Bound to be on the forum somewhere asking loads more questions.... :)