Author Topic: Wiltshire. (Read 3170 times)

MumaJ · « **on:** April 03, 2013, 08:10:59 pm »

My hubster and I will be posted to colerne in a month or so, we're looking into leaving to army to live The Dream, but we want to come and absorb some knowledge from people who started up themselves. And are willing to offer some tips.

We will also be looking to do some 'work experience'.

Any takers?

HesterF · « **Reply #1 on:** April 03, 2013, 11:33:14 pm »

Hi,

Saw your other post too. Do you know a bit more about what you want to do re. the dream? Will one of you still be working to have a wage coming in? Or you want to find something that will generate enough income to support both of you? What do you enjoy doing already? Have you grown stuff before? Kept animals? It is a good idea to see what people are doing already and it helps give you an idea how big various plots of land are too - it's quite hard to visualise 5 acres (or whatever) until you've walked it. Maybe you could also do a bit of casual househunting for the right sort of properties - viewings will help give you an idea of what you can get for your money and narrow down what you're really looking for. Also recommend reading The Smallholidng Manual (Haynes) by Liz Shankland (she posted on here the other day about it and it reminded me how helpful it is) and I also enjoyed Practical Self Sufficiency by Dick and James Strawbridge (although it did make me wonder where they find the time to do all of that).

I'm not close enough to offer you practical experience here (and until the weather improves, there's not so much to be done, it's all going to go crazy very soon, I hope) but I hope you find somewhere to help,

H

Backinwellies · « **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2013, 08:25:30 am »

Where are you in Wiltshire .... Colerne, or maybe Hullavington (where I have just moved from) . We really need to know more about you to be able to give any real help .... I also suggest you read Liz's book ... a great place to start. describe your dream ..... location, livestock, crops, income from?, etc Many of us will love to help when we have a clearer view.

Linda

MumaJ · « **Reply #3 on:** April 04, 2013, 09:09:39 am »

Sure thing.

Suffolk or surrounding area(price will come into that). We would like to both live but all our efforts in to the business, but are happy to start with one of us working else where. Hopefully in the industry to keep learning. We grow veg were ever we live. Haven't kept animals, but are considering buying some land and pigs before we have our own place.

Were in the army at the moment. Yes colerne is we're we are next as of mid may.

So far we were thinking, pigs, lambs, bees, veg, do farmers markets and village markets, do direct business to household and restaurants. Organic and free range. Prob start with pigs and veg. (Possibly specialise in garlic and chillies).

Great idea about the househunting! And will get those books

darkbrowneggs · « **Reply #4 on:** April 04, 2013, 10:25:02 am »

Hi there and welcome

and good luck with you future plans

Backinwellies · « **Reply #5 on:** April 05, 2013, 08:39:47 am »

Hi

Enjoy Colerne ... lovely area.

I've no idea what prices are like in Suffolk but to have any real chance of making any living you would need to be able to buy outright. You would be very unlikely to make enough to pay rent or a mortgage and live off your production (no doubt someone will come along who says otherwise). As someone on here the other day said they both work 3 jobs to support their smallholding ... I'm sure most of us support our smallholding rather than it support us.. but we do it because we love it! My OH does a 160 mile weekly commute for us to be here.

Dont be put off but do be realistic .. and make sure you are both committed.

Best wishes

Linda

Brijjy · « **Reply #6 on:** April 05, 2013, 02:11:36 pm »

My advice would be to start small and work up from there. It's very tempting once you've got your plot of land to fill it straightaway. I would say live with it for a year with maybe a few hens and maybe a pig for eating. See how your land changes over the year. Chances are that where you decide to put your veggie beds in spring becomes totally unsuitable in autumn and winter. Spend that year getting experience, go on a few courses, especially animal husbandry.
A friend of mine started his own business with his 10 acres as a care farm. Offering work experience to kids in care. Social services pay him to take on one or two kids each day and learn smallholding skills from building, growing and lambing, depending on the season. He does this full time but his missus works in the local pub and they have a roadside burger van too. They make just about enough for them and their small daughter to live on but it's not easy. They've been in a mobile home for the past 3 years while trying to get planning.
Good luck and definitely use this forum for advice, there are a lot of knowledgable folk on here

pauljay · « **Reply #7 on:** May 17, 2013, 10:11:22 pm »

Hi Muma J,

Are you in Colerne yet. We moved to Colerne a year ago onto a plot that we bought some while ago while I was a serving Bootneck. Since when we managed to add another field to use for keeping a few pigs and sheep.

We would be more than happy to meet up and share our experience to date and the mistakes we ahve made.

Since moving we have met and made good friends with a retired Scalyback and his wife who have much more experience of living the dream and have made fewer mistakes. I'm sure they would also be willing to help/advise.

Best of luck

PJ

MumaJ · « **Reply #8 on:** May 17, 2013, 10:46:23 pm »

Wow thanks pj

Yes we are here now. Well, corsham actually now. Loving it round here.

We would love to visit. X

Tudful Tamworths · « **Reply #9 on:** May 20, 2013, 10:20:13 am »

Thanks to those of you who recommended the Haynes Smallholding Manual! Great to know you found it helpful. Don't forget, you can always message me with any queries.
Good luck, MumaJ!

Tudful Tamworths · « **Reply #10 on:** May 20, 2013, 10:24:41 am »

Oh, and have a look at the smallholding courses at Kate Humble's farm in Monmouthshire (www.humblebynature.com). There's one every month till October. Not a very long drive from Wiltshire and it could give you some ideas for your search.

All the best
Liz

Fowlman · « **Reply #11 on:** May 20, 2013, 05:34:49 pm »

As a wiltshire born and bred lad you will enjoy the variation in landscape throughout the county. I was born not far from colerne so know the area well. Out on the marlborough downs now.