Barter… and be kind
Why being badly behaved is much more fun with others
There’s no doubt that having a bit of land gives you the opportunity to do more of what you would like. Whether you’re on a quest for much greater self-sufficiency and trying to make, mend and do everything, or you simply enjoy skipping around your field and making daisy chains. Or …like most smallholders, you don’t have the time or inclination for actual skipping and probably fall somewhere in-between…
The fact is you can do what you like and, regardless of your intentions, your opportunities will broaden immensely if you find some like-minded others with which to work. A bit of good old fashioned barter and exchange will save you money (and potentially time) as you swop, lend and help each other. It can act as a reminder why you have chosen smallholding life in the first place and be re- energising in a way that is simply fantastic.
Bartering is a perfect excuse to get to know more people in your area. From befriending your local tree surgeon and offering some lamb in return for wood chippings, to going to your local seed swap, to just randomly approaching neighbours and suggesting a viable exchange over a cup of tea and cake. It’s civilised in a way that much of modern society is not. Be kind. Be generous and likeminded people and fun bartering adventures will come your way. FOR MORE BADLY BEHAVED IDEAS AND ANTICS SEE WWW.GETBADLYBEHAVED.COM