[Claracluck71]

Hello 

We are in the unenviable position of potentially having to move our smallholding due to the compulsory purchase of our property.

We have around 10 acres at the moment, and keep sheep, cattle, pigs, chickens and a couple of ponies, and the logistical nightmare of moving is starting to really worry me.

Does anyone have any experience of this sort of move? We could end up about a 3 hour drive away from where we are now in order to find the sort of property we want, so how would we go about the practicalities of moving everything? We have so much equipment to move too. I don't think Pickfords or a 'man with a van' will be up for the job!

I have so many questions going round in my head it's driving me mad - and the worst thing is, it might never happen anyway.

Any thoughts, or pointers in the right direction, would be appreciated

Clara

[henchard]

No idea but the first thing that springs to mind if it's Compulsory Purchase the full costs of relocation etc. should surely be met as part of the deal?

[Claracluck71]

Thanks for the reply henchard

It's true, the costs should be covered, but it's more the actual move that's a worry. We'd need to make sure fencing was secure before moving the animals, etc. I have visions of trying to live and work in two separate locations for a period of time. I was also wondering if anyone had heard of specialist movers that handle this sort of move?

[Foobar]

There are specialist movers that will do this - i recall reading a blog from someone this year and they were saying how good their movers were with the animals etc.  Alas I've no idea what the web page was or what the firm's name is, sorry!  A bit of googling should find you someone though.

You could also go down the livestock hauliers route for the outside stuff and domestic movers for the house, but that might work out more expensive.

[Buttermilk]

Do you know anyone who could have the ponies and possibly cattle and sheep (dependant on numbers ect) for grass livery whilst you get your fencing in order?

[Fleecewife]

Unenviable indeed    I really feel for you.  It's one of my nightmares.

I have a feeling some of the marts, such as Harrison and Hetherington would do such a move.  If they don't do it themselves they would have contacts who would.  I would think that your local mart/animal auctioneers would know local contacts.  You may get the same company to do your smallholding and domestic moves, but I would think separate companies would be best.

[Claracluck71]

Thanks for all your replies - looks like I'll have to do some Googling! Fingers crossed it doesn't happen anyway

[pharnorth]

Easy to say I know but given it is such a way off I would aim to worry less at this stage. There are so many ways of doing the move, especially if you are not on a tight budget  that it will come to you the best way for you when you know more, where, when, what duration for the move, who is available either end to animal and house sit.   

[pgkevet]

Nasty! So what hapens if you have, say, a 5yr old orchard? Does the cost of moving that get paid?