How do we save our smallholding?

Rummer

How close are you to populated areas? That could have quite an impact on what you choose to do next.

Elsewhere

A farmer near here has a small camping/caravan site for nudists which he says pays very well.

nb. it has minimal facilities, but this doesn't seem to put people off

Reviews - http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=1219

Thriftkitten

Is the wool able to be spun bagged and sold on ebay? do you have any chickens you could sell their eggs, in warmer periods maybe offer out the land as campsite but possibly you would need at least a portaloo and sink with the offer of Tea n Toast delivered to one of the barns, would need a few basic table, n chairs, but these should pay for them self with first few bookings.

warehouse

Farmers-Wife, did you see last weeks Grand Designs program? If not, watch it now, the people building the house were in a similar position to yours and now make the land pay handsomely.

Seriously, watch it.

[Deleted User]

Could you offer services to the University? Accommodation for visiting lecturers, growing crops for specialist trials? Rearing lamb for them to buy. Sorry, I am not sure what courses they run at the Uni, but have a look on their website and see if you can tie into anything.

How are you promoting the holiday cottage? Do you have website, Facebook page? Consider blogging to increase your online profile.

Could you offer specialist holidays with disabled accommodation perhaps. I use a walking stick, although I am quite mobile, but it is difficult to choose accommodation as you never know if there are stairs, a walk in shower etc. Could you offer wheelchair access to the property?

On holiday once we went on a quad bike tour (we are both bikers) on a diary farm, followed by tea and home made cake - it was great.

I think the main thing is looking for items where you can add value. So, as others have said, instead of selling fleeces sell finished wool.

whitewing

I think a farm near us has a nursery or childminding facility. However, that may not appeal to all parents. Also I think you would have to be very careful about pregnant mothers coming into contact with sheep because of the miscarriage risk.

Farmers-wife_2

Thank you so very much for your responses thus far, I will definitely give the Daydreamers thread a read (although I'd hate to put anyone off) The husband and I will read through all the ideas together. This has really fired me up to start making positive steps to increase our family income.

Regarding the suggestions for a campsite/tents etc. unfortunately the road we live off is a single track which we don't believe we would ever get planing permission for. It such a shame as I would have loved to have done some form of glamping (nudist or otherwise .)

Our sheep are Hebridean and their fleeces are great quality for spinning but as they are black fewer people are interested in them as they can not be dyed.

Being more positive; We live near the popular seaside/university town of Aberystwyth, in a rural yet populated area. I am an ex chef and Hubby an ex accountant so loving the chutney/jam idea. My brain is whirling thinking along these lines....

whitewing

Look on the canopy and stars websites, maybe you could do a small specialised version of glamping eg a shepherd's hut or gypsy caravan, if it were just one family at a time?

lostinrates

Farmers-wife wrote: »

Thank you so very much for your responses thus far, I will definitely give the Daydreamers thread a read (although I'd hate to put anyone off) The husband and I will read through all the ideas together. This has really fired me up to start making positive steps to increase our family income.

Regarding the suggestions for a campsite/tents etc. unfortunately the road we live off is a single track which we don't believe we would ever get planing permission for. It such a shame as I would have loved to have done some form of glamping (nudist or otherwise .)

Our sheep are Hebridean and their fleeces are great quality for spinning but as they are black fewer people are interested in them as they can not be dyed.

Being more positive; We live near the popular seaside/university town of Aberystwyth, in a rural yet populated area. I am an ex chef and Hubby an ex accountant so loving the chutney/jam idea. My brain is whirling thinking along these lines....

You'd struggle to put those of us off who are doing it.....or have experienced it. Our own experience has either done that or failed to:rotfl:


The single track is not yours then? We've looked at lots of properties with single track access for camping over the years. I think its more exciting too.


With a chef/acc background I'd look at a company that could later be sold off if wanted . Things I know that have sold well from small holding or farm kitchen type beginnings besides chutneys are crafty ones.....I know a few small clothing companies that have been bought buy places like big chain stores that sell baby clothes......that woman had to buy in her wool to make rather ordinary but popular middle England baby shoes.

Felted wool has lots of craft potential in dark colours IMO.....Hebridean felt hats...could that work? Natural colour variance in dark tones......

Principia_2

microbrewery? specialty cheeses?