91

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

« Last post by Rosemary on August 25, 2025, 07:29:00 am »

Hello and welcome from a bit further afield, in Carnoustie.
What varieties of apples are you planning to plant? Assuming it is an apple orchard?
Hope you're coming along to the Scottiah Smallholder Festival in October.

92

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

« Last post by RCTman on August 24, 2025, 03:50:19 pm »

Hi and welcome from South Wales

93

Introduce yourself / South Lanarkshire - new to the forum

« Last post by smaarthorses on August 24, 2025, 09:51:00 am »

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

94

Land Management / Re: Red Diesel - Ellon / Pitmeddon Area, Aberdeenshire

« Last post by Kiran on August 23, 2025, 06:08:59 am »

Actual fuel bowesers and TransCubes etc  can be quite expensive although they do appear on market place every now and again. Diesel bug forms when you get water in the fuel, typically this happens when there is empty air space in your tank and condensation forms. To avoid this, I favour smaller 205L (55gal) drums amd keep 2 or 3 of them on an interceptor tray to catch any leaks. Never had a problem with this. That being said here, so long as its for agricultural use they'll also discharge into IBCs

95

Equipment / Re: Voluntary VAT Registration Advice

« Last post by Rosemary on August 22, 2025, 07:02:56 am »

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.

96

Equipment / Re: Voluntary VAT Registration Advice

« Last post by Womble on August 21, 2025, 10:34:02 am »

OK, so pond plants and arts & crafts supplies are going to be VAT-able, thus either increasing your final selling price to customers, or reducing your margin by 20%.

You have to show that the supplies you're reclaiming VAT on are required for the purposes of your trade, so if those aren't in proportion, that might not be allowed. I'm not an accountant though, so best take advice from somebody who is!

97

Land Management / Re: Strange field drains

« Last post by Lambic on August 21, 2025, 12:17:14 am »

I find my old stone drains are similar depth to the clay tiles, around 600mm deep.

They are very hard to block for me and a nuisance when doing pond work with diggers.

It is beyond belief the work they did in the old days installing them by hand

98

Land Management / Re: Strange field drains

« Last post by Lambic on August 21, 2025, 12:14:49 am »

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.

99

Land Management / Re: Thistle management with herbicide

« Last post by Lambic on August 21, 2025, 12:12:25 am »

Good to know, did not know Grazon was sopersistent.

I have not removed any of my dead docks / thistles etc.

100

Goats / Re: Trial ownership of Goats - Yes or No ?

« Last post by Penninehillbilly on August 20, 2025, 11:23:10 pm »

Electric fence is the way to go with goats, I have stock fence and some dry stone walls, the strand of fence runs in front of them, if goats can't see a way through, they'll accept boundaries.
We definitely have deer (roe) and hares, I don't think goats or sheep bother them.