hi all, thanks for the responses.
@ perris good idea, i'll speak to the neigbours. I had a look at google earth and there do seem to be fields within a couple of hundred yards that are obviously being used for crops
[member=4333]Fleecewife[/member] re.trees there already seem to be 2 windbreaks already in place, that seem pretty mature, and there's already a polytunnel, barn and outbuilding..re climate it's in devon, but another slight concern is that although the views are far reaching and stunning, that might mean a lot of wind.. hence the windbreaks i suppose..
@ steph hen i'll be having a look tomorrow.. it's in devon.
agricultural college would be nice but i don't really have the time to go to college and then move.
[member=2128]Womble[/member] its' both really, i want to check if i'm allowed to plough it up, and also how best to check if the soil is suitable. I've done a bit of investigation re the legals, and it seems that as long as the land hasn't been deemed 'permanent pasture' (ie no polughing pesticides, fertilizer, drainage works, clearance, or other improvements in the last 15 yrs) then i should be OK.
A few of you have mentioned i can inspect the soil, what should i look out for as bad/good signs when i dig a bit up?