Smallholdings
Deliver the Rural Dream The demand for smallholdings has been strong and rising across Scotland and the North of England over the past few years.
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V programmes advocating the benefits and personal joys of growing one’s own fruit and veg, having a few hens, making jam, bee keeping and even keeping sheep, pigs, goats and cattle, not to mention interest in green energy, conservation and flower farming, have resonated with many people from all walks of life. Typically a smallholding will attract significant interest as soon as it comes to the market and in most cases will sell in a matter of weeks. This year has seen the market rise to new heights and there have been two factors acting as a catalyst. Firstly, many people have wanted to get on and realise a long-cherished ambition to own land in order to achieve a better quality of life, following all that this year has brought. Secondly the experience of working from home has demonstrated that connectivity is less of an issue in rural areas. In most parts of the UK either broadband speeds already provide comfortable access to remote servers in the office or there are workable alternatives – via satellite or a mobile connection. Whether the desire is for a cottage with a few acres of land or a small farm extending to perhaps 20 or 30
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acres will depend on the desired location and available budget. A good location, usually within about an hour of a large town or city, peaceful surroundings and an attractive rural setting are the prerequisites for most buyers. For those purchasing land for the first time Galbraith provides a onestop shop for bespoke advice – from selling the property itself to advice on agricultural subsidies, woodland creation, renewables, planning applications, connectivity, natural capital and more. So, what are the key points that those new to smallholding should consider?
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The desire for self-sufficiency often extends to an interest in creating a small renewable scheme on your landholding
The first priority is to register with the government as a landowner and a keeper of livestock – this can be done online and is relatively straightforward. In Scotland registration is via the Rural Payments and Inspections Division and in England via the Rural Payments Agency. Galbraith can advise if you
are registering a smallholding for the first time. The landowner must then register as a keeper of livestock with the Animal and Plant Health Agency; this is required to ensure that livestock movements are recorded, for the obvious management of any animal disease outbreaks. Anyone who owns cattle, deer, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry if you have 50 birds or
