Hey folks, thanks for input.
We have a lovely (if not slightly eccentric) neighbour, who's absolutely convinced that within the next ten years society will collapse, and he's making his preparations. He's started a vegetable patch, and has planted a mini-orchard. Us, on the left side of the track, have a theory that it's to become self-sufficient should the proverbial hit the fan, and we snigger to ourselves as we walk past. He paid us a visit last week, and saw that I had a crossbow, and the conversation drifted uncomfortably onto military issues; defence etc. My father, a South African hippy, concerned enough already about his son's enthusiasm for knives (an not at all impressed with the crossbow), shuffled off awkwardly. I reckon he'd be a good ally... [tongue firmly in cheek]
If it all goes pear shaped, then we can simply join up with him. It'll be another 9 acres, although I'm definitely turned onto making a veggie patch/orchard in the meantime.
Pigs would be great, but a nightmare to keep enclosed. No?
Thanks for the advice Aaron and Broch. Re: the birch saplings, is there a reason to source it locally?
Tony, great to be back! Where do you live? Have you recently moved to Wales, or is my memory fuzzy? I'll PM you my email...
I'll set up a new thread closer to the time, I just wanted to throw it into the ether and see what came back. I like the idea of people bringing their own fuel. Of course, in the evening, we'll be around the boma cooking, so no problem there. We got it made for us, I look forward to showing it off
Jake