[Bramham Wiltshire Horns]

I've been offered some land from the council that is in the middle of a small hold, it's about 3 acres of decent grass it has poor fencing, which would need to be taken into account
I spoke to the small holder but he isn't interested in grazing and potentially would rent out another 2 acres of his own land
The council land is only for summer grazing April to end November
How much should I look at paying
Thanks in advance

[Coximus]

The big 3 questions;

1`) Where is it
2) Whats the field quality like? Meadow grasses or decent rye clover mix?
3) how far is it from your base?

[silkwoodzwartbles]

Depends how much it's worth to you and how many other people have their eye on it...

We rent about 2 acres over the summer from a friend who just wants it kept tidy. It's fully (and nicely) stock fenced with an automatic water trough and great access. It's ideal for the rams over the summer as it keeps them away from the girls and lambs down on the holding but close to home and easy to check on. We pay £50 each year for it, and have it from 1 April to 30 September.

Hope this helps

[Tim W]

I don't pay for anything under 10 acres---just not worth the hassle

For small areas it needs to be the other way around---landlord pays the grazier

But maybe there is greater demand near you and if it's not a business  it won't matter too much ?

[silkwoodzwartbles]

Unfortunately Tim, most people will never pay the grazer as they know that if it doesn't go to a smallholder, they can easily rent it for £50 a month or more to someone with horses. It's worth paying to rent a piece of land if it makes your life easier and saves your own land for winter.

[Bramham Wiltshire Horns]

hi sorry i didnt mention i am a complete novice
i am in leeds/wakefield
the land was used for horse about a year ago but not since the lady sold the property
the new owners are not interested in keeping livestock which is a shame as they have around 7 acrers
i we only get the land for the summer we would just be fatteninig the sheep and sending them to the freezer,
if we get the all year round grazing then we will look showing and breeding,
i have a young family and a a friend who is interested in getting involved
it is 9 minutes drive from my house 4.2 miles
the field is land locked by other farm land

thanks

[SallyintNorth]

Up to £100 per acre for good grass keep, well-fenced, around here.  Half that, or a little more than half, for rough grazing.  Usually free in exchange for fencing repairs, if fencing needed.  Price up the fencing required before doing a deal - you might need a 3-year agreement to get back the cost of the fencing

[harmony]

Sort out the access before you do do anything if it is landlocked.

[Bramham Wiltshire Horns]

yes i have looked at the access and its not great but the as its only a small track of about 20 yards and about 6 foot wide before it enters the main field, (probably good to create a race) i am going to view it again a few more times before i make a decision, but for someone starting out it seem stoo good to be fair
i have looked at a few other sites that are no way as good,
as said before the council part of the land can only be grazed until late november so would have to move off or send to slaughter

i suppose you gotta start somewhere

[waterbuffalofarmer]

It might be worth looking around for other options too, to see what is available before deciding. I took on a field 2 years ago and the fencing is a mess and gorse everywhere, bad mistake but too good a field, so am spending a fortune getting it fixed cause the landlord can't care less. I may just buy the field and fix it up proper, it may be a cheaper option in the long run. There is one positive though the rent is very low and it has excellent grass growth

[Bramham Wiltshire Horns]

theny have offerd another plot but its at the end of an industrial estate and and i notice some dodgy looking lads in pick up trucks hanging round so decided aagainst it , it wasnt secluded enough for me and a bit vulnerable to the 2 legged fox!!

[Coximus]

Rightio - Im same area, Leeds district.

The leeds wakefield gap is expensive as most land is either coal board, hargreaves, or council owned, so their is very little private rental.

A very very high horse pressure sees land going for £340+ an acre for anything under 10 acres.

Anything larger is arable due to the generally good soil quality.

Sadly you have 1.2million people in a 20min commute in a narrow gap of rural land between 4 cities, so its tight their.

If the ground is good, offer What your comfortable with, but you are in an urban fringe area, so you will pay urban fringe prices sadly.

[Coximus]

also worth asking, how hagve you gone about finding it and which council, leeds or wakefield?

Did you cold approach them?
If so they may offer you better if you push

[Bramham Wiltshire Horns]

hi coximus
i cold called them they offered me 2 plots the second being the best but the access is terrible between 2 small holdings you couldnt get a trailer down there

the guy who has the small holding has offered me 2 acres fenced for 300 for the year including water
i dont think its not that bad
and as a novice i think we will get a small flock of sheep
and build from there

[Coximus]

which department did you ring?
They own about 50 acres of old quarry land near me I'd love to graze off, had nothing on for 40 years so would be good for a few seasons mob stocking!