41

Wildlife / Re: Swallows'25

« Last post by Penninehillbilly on September 03, 2025, 05:32:57 pm »

We thought ours had gone, but 3 are still coming back to the barn, 2 youngsters and an adult I think, then this morning there were about 10 swooping and chittering, I think they usually go about mid September.

42

Land Management / Re: Strange field drains

« Last post by Penninehillbilly on September 03, 2025, 05:29:08 pm »

My initial reaction would be probabl rushes indicate blocked or severed field drains.

Unlike most people, I guite like rushes.  Quite a few Jack Snipe can be found in mine.

I like rushes too, to a certain extent! good for sheep to shelter in, pheasants to nest in, but when a third of the field is huge clumps that you can't get through, its time to reclaim some grazing!
I literally lost a sheep in one of the clogged areas, I was ill for a few days, then knew there was a ewe missing, after looking for her a few days, I could smell it.    Too late to help her, but a few days earlier...
So this year i've been making 'pathways' through the worst overgrown areas, I don't like using weedkiller, but there comes a time when my sheep are more important.
I was very proud of myself finding an old stone drain, husband decided to replace it, with a solid drain pipe! area is nearly as boggy as before .
Then he and his mate did the same with a big drain going across a field, admittedly it's confusing where all these drains come and go, but again the bottom corner is no better.
but of course they wont listen to a woman.   

43

Marketplace / Re: Small livestock trailer wanted

« Last post by Jaymac76 on September 03, 2025, 01:32:40 pm »

I was thinking of building a livestock trailer but was working out more expensive than buying a secondhand trailer, but you have planted the seed so I might go and look at some auction sites for used parts.

44

Wildlife / Re: Swallows'25

« Last post by Possum on September 03, 2025, 01:05:29 pm »

Our are all collecting on the telephone wires. About 40 of them this morning. It won't be long now........

45

Marketplace / Re: Small livestock trailer wanted

« Last post by Bywaters on September 03, 2025, 10:59:52 am »

I haven't got one for sale, sorry, and apologies for if this is an "egg sucking" reply, but, I purchased an 8ft single axle trailer many many years ago , which has proved to be very  useful and easily manoevred due to it's single rather than double axle.
If I was in the market for a small trailer, I would defintely look for a single rather than double axle trailer

I have refloored it twice, had to repair the tailgate hinges, fitted stock gates and also a rear support leg, but it's much easier to use than more modern ones

46

Marketplace / Small livestock trailer wanted

« Last post by Jaymac76 on September 02, 2025, 07:08:37 pm »

Hi All, I am looking to buy a small livestock trailer for transporting pigs. I am in central belt Scotland and willing to travel for the right trailer.

47

Announcements / New diary post: Autumn / Leghorns / Heather

« Last post by TAS Bot on September 01, 2025, 08:31:22 pm »

A new TAS diary entry has been posted: Autumn / Leghorns / Heather

48

Equipment / Re: Voluntary VAT Registration Advice

« Last post by doganjo on September 01, 2025, 08:27:25 pm »

I'm not familiar with the rules any more but I'd check with an accountant on how far back you can claim from registration date.

When registering for the first time -
You can reclaim VAT paid on goods or services bought before you registered for VAT if you bought them within: 4 years for goods you still have or goods that were used to make other goods you still have.

So you can claim back VAT on any equipment you've bought in the last four years.
 
But only 6 months for services

You will need to use a Making Tax Digital system to submit your returns.  That costs around £5 a submission, so rather than submit every month, better to do it quarterly.  I use EasyMTD VAT.  Your first submissi0on is free then £21.59 for 4 tokens and you can reclaim the VAT on that

49

Introduce yourself / Re: South Lanarkshire - new to the forum

« Last post by Fleecewife on August 30, 2025, 10:52:56 pm »

Hi

I've used the site on and off for some time now and just getting started with posting.

If anyone is in the Lanarkshire or Ayrshire areas it would be great to connect.

I've got a small flock of sheep, ducks and hens, and 3 horses and am training my own sheepdogs.  This winter I am planning to plant an orchard! The work will keep me warm in the cold weather

Amanda

Hi Amanda, I'm in S Lanarks too, near Biggar    We have a few sheep left, some geese, no hens (thanks foxie), a veggie garden plus lots of trees and wildlife areas.  We are slowly winding down the livestock.  I always wanted a donkey but I wasn't allowed one, too late now     Whereabouts are you?
Juliet

50

Introduce yourself / Re: South Lanarkshire - new to the forum

« Last post by smaarthorses on August 30, 2025, 12:25:39 pm »

I hope all is well in carnoustie

I'm planting heritage apples, pears etc. And plan to have soft fruit bushes as well. I've already got soft fruit bushes dotted about the holding but this time it will be in a specific area.

I will be at the smallholders festival. It seems to be getting better and better each year since recovering from lockdown.