Hi Mark,
So it seems planners are the same no matter where you go - I know what you mean about the backhanders ! A guy about a mile from me managed to get away with tearing down 2 acres of well established woodland and replacing it with about 20 'retirement houses' horrible new builds with UPVC conservatories that look soooo out of place in the middle of the country - but the planners had debates with me for over 2 months regarding the sizing of my proposed traditional wooden sash windows!
It's all money, money, money and it's so wrong cos the guys with the cash to pay off the planners are the ones who chuck up these quick, cheap environmentally unfriendly houses for PROFIT, but the people who want to live in the country and be self sufficient actually care about what they build and try to be as 'green' as possible...... there's no justice !
Anyway, sorry that's my rant over !
I have to say on the subject of pigs, if you're anything like me, you'll love them!
I have to admit that after reading 'Starting with Pigs' by Andy Case, I went to 'look' at some weaners (no hubby & dad , i PROMISE i won't buy any! - they should never have let me go on my own!) and arrived home 2 hours later with 2 weaners inside a tonne feed back in the back of my company car !
So a hasty shelter was made inside our garden shed for them until we managed to convert an old oil tank into a more permanent home. We raised them purely for meat and in the time we had them (spring - just before xmas) had no problems, other than a few escape attempts. But before I get more to breed with I'm going to get to a course to teach me about farrowing and things to look for long term with them, just to be on the safe side.
My 2 girls (aptly named Sausage & Rasher) were just like big dogs, tails wagging when they saw you, squeels of glee when the food bucket was produced and loved nothing more than running about playing with my kids (who were only 4 & 2 at the time)
PIGS ARE GREAT !!!!
Best of luck
Karen