[Dans]

Hi

My name is Dans, and I'm terrible at introductions. I grew up in London and always wanted the great escape. I now live in Midlothian where I study with my fiance, 3.5 cats (fostering one), several fish and a growing vegetable patch in the garden. We are hoping to rehome some ex-bat chickens in the coming months. My studies have brought me closer to agriculture and, along with a recent dive into knitting, crochet and hand spinning, I have developed a love for sheep. I also enjoy foraging for wild foods, making home brew wines, camping and horseriding.

All in all I am aspiring to delve into the world of small holding. Like many I'm sure I would like a bit of land and an opportunity to become more self sufficient and, if possible, make a bit of money on the side. There are some friends that may join us on this dream, we will see how it pans out. It won't happen for another 2-3 years yet but I thought I'd take the time to learn as much as I can beforehand, try and scare myself off as much as possible, and if I'm still keen when the time comes then it'll be a good sign.

Hoping to meet a few people and learn a lot!

Right hopefully that's ok for an intro.

Dans

[Possum]

A great intro! Welcome to TAS and I hope that all your plans and dreams work out.

[Bionic]

Hello and welcome Dans. 
Thats much more of an introduction than most people give so well done.
You have come to a great place. There are experts on here for all of your areas of interest so I am sure you will find it useful.
Sally.

[MAK]

Great intro and welcome from a hot and sticky Limousin. hope you get as much from the site as we do. Reading old threads is just as important to me as contributing to new ( when I can). Lots of experience and knowledge out there.

hope all goes well !!!

[Small Farmer]

Welcome to the well-balanced forum (we all have a chip on each shoulder).  You'll find a lot of the experienced users don't know what to say either...

[NickiWilliams]

Hi Dans, nice intro!! Not an expert, by any stretch of the imagination! Hope you get to realise your dream! Kindest regards. Nicki

[Rosemary]

Hi, Dans

welcome to TAS from sunny Carnoustie 

We have an Introduction to Smallholding course running on 7th July, with a few places still available if you fancy it. There are some useful (IMHO  ) articles on the main site that might help too.

Look forward to hearing more from you,

[Ina]

Hiya - welcome from a bit further north!

What course are you studying?

[Fleecewife]

Hello from South Lanarkshire      I cheated by never doing an intro at all       I'm sure you won't be scared off from smallholding, but it's a great idea to learn as much as you can before you start.   Good Luck with it 

[Dans]

Thanks to all for the welcome.

I'm tempted by the course. First need to sit down with the friends and have the serious discussions so courses may be next year. I've been reading through the articles and will no doubt be asking lots of questions soon.

I'm currently doing a PhD in Liver fluke in sheep. The more I see of the country life the more I want it. Half way though the course so probably another year and half before I technically finish and another 3-5 months until I actually finish.

Dans

[Fleecewife]

Yum yum - liver fluke  .  Please do share what you learn with us as that is a subject close to many smallholders hearts  .

[Dans]

Yum yum - liver fluke  .  Please do share what you learn with us as that is a subject close to many smallholders hearts  .

Yep it can be a nasty one. I'm looking into better diagnostics, which can detect early infections before the bulk of damage is done. Fingers crossed I can come up with something!

Dans

[deepinthewoods]

hi from cornwall!

[Mammyshaz]

Hi dans  from Durham.  Also dreaming of a smallholding life. At present we have 2 allotments with hens, fruit and veg.
Dogs and a chinchilla in the house along with a couple of kids ( two legged) and the OH.

It sounds like you will have plenty of knowledge of agri things before you even start. Good luck with the studies

[Bert]

Hi from the Isle of Mull