[Bigdreams]

I've spotted a piece of land next to the steam railway line where I work. It is pretty over grown so went on the government land website to find out who owns it and it belongs to a farm down the road.
I'd like to ask them if they'd consider renting it out to me and my partner to start our pig venture on.
How should I approach asking them? It may just be left for the wildlife but if I don't ask I'll never know.
I just don't want to seem rude 
Advice please 

[Fleecewife]

That kind of negotiation can take years    For 20 years we've been trying to buy an extra 5 acres from our nice neighbour.  They are always happy to chat about it, and in principal it's been agreed, but we don't have it, and we've now accepted we never will.

It's possible, as you say, that it's left for the wildlife, and the owner might get a grant for that.

I thought initially you were going to say you wanted it as a veggie garden, which is of course very appropriate to railways, which always used to have the stationmaster's veggie patch next to the station.  The owner might agree to that, but I see it being a much greater problem for pigs. 

You, would need to know what planning rules cover that type of business before you even approached him.  There's no reason that you shouldn't introduce yourselves to him without mentioning the land at all at first.  I wouldn't suggest knocking on his door, just speak when you bump into him 

[Cosmore]

Presumably you have found out the owners name. Try to discreetly find out something about him/her, basically what sort of character they are, i.e. approachable or irrascibile, do they frequent the local pub? If they sound reasonable people, choose a time when they are not busy with their farming activities or mealtimes and go and see them in person, unless the land gives them some other benefit, you never know they may be open to renting out. After all, they can only say no.
If you do succeed, you may have to be with and reassure your pigs for a while, they might not be too keen on a great hissing, clanking and chuffing monster rumbling by periodically , if they have not been used to steam railways! (Bluebell Railway perchance? ).Good Luck.

[Bionic]

Agree, find out where they frequent and 'bump' into them once or twice making some polite conversation. It will make it easier to approach them about it if you already know them.

[Steph Hen]

Also agree, but would add, avoid mentioning that you "looked online" at who owns what   

[pgkevet]

Why mess about? Buy a bottle of johnny walker black label, knock on his door one evening waving said bottle and ask if you could discuss renting that land. If he says no grab the bottle back and leave.

[Fleecewife]

Why mess about? Buy a bottle of johnny walker black label, knock on his door one evening waving said bottle and ask if you could discuss renting that land. If he says no grab the bottle back and leave.

Wouldn't that be great if he's a recovering alcoholic, diabetic or religious teetotaller  .  If you're going to try that, you do need to know a bit about him first.  I prefer the idea of bumping in to him, or his family, a few times first.  Gently gently catchee monkey 

[pgkevet]

Wouldn't that be great if he's a recovering alcoholic, diabetic or religious teetotaller  .  If you're going to try that, you do need to know a bit about him first.  I prefer the idea of bumping in to him, or his family, a few times first.  Gently gently catchee monkey 

You overthink it.. if he's any of the above then I'm sure he'd politely point that out but appreciate the gesture.... or play safe and just take a stick of broccoli

[Bigdreams]

Thank you all for your replies

Fleecewife we'd like to grow veggies and fruit too so if they said no animals we'd happily take it on. It would be a start in our grand plans!

I shall ask my friend down the road if she knows the owners (she has been here quite a while and has worked in the local pub).

Yes it's the beautiful Bluebell railway line  my business is walking distance and land isn't much further on.

I don't think i'd have the balls to rock up to their house and ask them straight out about the land 

[pgkevet]

Since you live that way then drop into Mcbean's Orhcids in Lewes - if you like that sort of stuff...super plants...
There's an RHS garden around there somewhere too if memory serves..

[lord flynn]

I'd just go and ask, I am like that-life's too short! I certainly wouldn't stalk them 


 It's how I got all my current grazing (by asking, not stalking). I probably wouldn't offer booze though, giving booze to someone else is weird 

[Herdygirl]

I'd just go and ask, I am like that-life's too short! I certainly wouldn't stalk them 

No I wouldn't stalk them either.  you need to find someone local and ask them who owns the land and if the owners might be open to renting it out.  If in this locals opinion they might be, then go and ask.  As a previous poster said, they can only say no.  I hope you are successful 

[Kimbo]

If I hadn't gone over  the head of the estate agent and approached  the vendors directly we would never have got our place here.
Be brave! Whats the worst that can happen? He says " no thanks" and you can then stop wasting your time pursuing a hopeless cause.
I don't know why its weird to offer someone booze! I wish people would offer me booze 

[lord flynn]

I don't know why its weird to offer someone booze!

cos I wants it all


I might give booze if they said yes, I'd not offer it beforehand 

[devonlady]

Ask away, Fruity and good luck. (for some reason I can't get the emoti-thingys up?)