Aspiring smallholders are continually thwarted by the prices of smallholdings and property with land located within the UK. Even the humblest croft in Scotland comes with a substantial price tag and conditions which would make even an adventurous wannabee consider carefully. But all is not lost. For those willing to take the adventure of a lifetime, there is always Europe, and one of the most popular places is France.
The climate varies with the North being temperate, similar to Cornwall. South of the Loire (about half way down to the West), it enjoys short mild winters and long warm summers. Near the Spanish border it is hot in summer, but the Pyrenees offer the chance to enjoy skiing and the land is watered well with meltwater creating many rivers and streams. Moving East into the more touristy area of the Riviera and Provence, prices are higher and country properties snapped up by the wealthy summer visitors, but further North there are many old fermes or maisons with land for a fraction of the cost of a similar property in mainland UK.
The author on her French Smallholding
The country enjoys proper seasons and on average a longer growing season than anywhere in the UK, allowing those who wish to grow their own food to produce more, for longer and of a greater variety. Keeping livestock is similar to Britain, as the UK was formerly part of the EU and shared the regulations and rules. The language is of course different, and the bureaucracy can be a bit of a chore, however most officials speak some English and there are many social media groups to help.
Can i move to france since brexit?
Esta historia es de la edición September 2024 de The Country Smallholder.
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Esta historia es de la edición September 2024 de The Country Smallholder.
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How to Buy a Smallholding in France- Long-time smallholder Lorraine Turnbull looks at the practicalities of moving to rural France
Aspiring smallholders are continually thwarted by the prices of smallholdings and property with land located within the UK. Even the humblest croft in Scotland comes with a substantial price tag and conditions which would make even an adventurous wannabee consider carefully. But all is not lost. For those willing to take the adventure of a lifetime, there is always Europe, and one of the most popular places is France.
Meet the Bournemouth goats and their supporters
These capricious animals are hard workers preserving the natural habitat
Still warm enough to sit outside with a Pizza
Henrietta Balcon uses fresh figs to create an unusual dish at Harvest time
Goodbye to the birds of spring and summer
If you look and listen you might be able to see them preparing to leave says The RSPB
Get ready for the colder weather in the warmth of late summer
Claire Waring advises on doing the best to make sure your colonies survive until next spring
Preparing the Veg Patch for Winter
Lee Senior says, a well-run plot can excitingly continue to produce good quality, tasty, fresh food for much of winter
Time to prepare to plant your orchard
Wade Muggleton, smallholder and author of The Orchard Book, shares his practical experience so you can create your own fruit collection
Choosing feed for the autumn
As autumn approaches, Joanna Palmer, nutritionist at the Smallholder Range, offers advice on choosing the right feed to support your adult birds through their annual moult and ensure your young birds grow and finish well at this time of the year.
Vet advice from an experienced poultry vet
Reflecting on how much the humble hen has helped people world wide plus advice on stopping the scourge of red mite
Give your hens some support
Paul Donovan looks at the right and wrong ways of handling birds
