[Deere]

Just thought I'd post to say hi to everyone.

I'm based near the ladybower dam in Derbyshire and work on a farm near Bakewell, on which we have a 100 ewe flock of Llyen sheep and 90 Dexter cattle.

I've always wanted my own farm and until recently when I made the move from arable farming to livestock farming I thought this to probably be well beyond my reach.

I have just been offered some borderline upland grass to rent (6 ish acres) and have decided to take the step on the ladder.
Being very impressed with the pedigree Lleyns we have at work I've decided they are the sheep for my needs.  I am looking for some pedigree Lleyns and will go to the Llyen society sale in August at bakewell market and take a look and even if I don't buy from the sale there will be opportunities to talk to other breeders etc.

At the moment I'm keeping my eyes open for more small plots of land preferably closer to home and eventually a place with a small building (not too worried about condition as I'm pretty handy with wood and hammer! Lol) for lambing.

Really impressive website, with great members who from what I've seen offer great support and spot on advice. Keep up the great work guys!

If anyone in this area knows of any groups, sheep, land, sheds, people who would like some help support or even want to get into small holding etc contact me through here it's always nice to share ideas etc.

[sabrina]

Hi and welcome. Sounds as if you are going in the right direction.

[little blue]

Hello & welcome.
we are about 30 miles south from you, no sheep here though       :duck:   

there is a Derbyshire smallholders association, with a website.
And I know some lovely people out in the High Peak who I'm sure will be along to say soon!

[Bionic]

Hi from a sunny Wales. Yeaaaaa its not raining 
Sally

[Deere]

Hello to you all,

Yes at last it's brightening up!

Forgot to mention that I grow some veg in the neighbours garden, so I've been out planting leeks, cabbages, Brussels and some sunflowers to attract the insects. A job that's been crying out to be done for the last few weeks to lighten the burden on the full greenhouse between the showers!

Also the light Sussex bantams we have enjoyed some spare plants that wouldn't fit into the overflowing beds!

Ive had a look at the Derbyshire smallholders website too so a very constructive day I'd say.

Thanks to all for the welcome.

[Herdygirl]

  from a not raining West Yorkshire 

[Rosemary]

Hello from showery Carnoustie

[Marsbar]

  Hello from a sunny(at the moment) Sheffield.
Richard

[manian]

hi from a sunny windy derbyshire
Mx

[Roxy]

  Hello from the Peak District!!  We did live just outside Buxton, but because our land is about 7 miles away, we are now based near to that .....we are right on the Derbyshire/Cheshire border, with one parcel of land in each county!!
 
I hope you manage to find some more land - not easy to come by here.  We have after a long search managed to buy 9 acres of land, its very high up, but quite good grass......just that the weather can be a bit grim up there, but we are used to that having lived in Buxton!!
 
We have an assortment of animals, including alot of goats (Anglo Nubian and Pygmy) lots of native ponies, who we ride and drive, and they help with farm work too. A big free range poultry flock, and we have just got two soay sheep - oh and must not forget the 4 Kune Kune pigs!!

[Bert]

Hi from the Isle of Mull 

[omnipeasant]

Hi from Wales, although we are originally ffrom Sheffield so we spent many hours cycling or walking in the Derwent  area. Wishing you wll with your new venture.

[Lesley Silvester]

    Hi and welcome from sunny Shropshire.  What a beautiful part of the country you live.

[little blue]

we are right on the Derbyshire/Cheshire border, with one parcel of land in each county!!

....
 - oh and must not forget the 4 Kune Kune pigs!!

which county are they in?!

       

[Roxy]

Little Blue ....your Kunes are all definitely on the Derbyshire side of the sign .....just    Ponies, and soon some of the goats will be in Cheshire ....just!!!