The Self-Sufficiency Specialist. Alan Bridgewater

is important to you.

       Land costs, meaning those of agricultural land, are low. You can rent whole fields, spreads or woods.

       Rural activities are good fun and relatively low-cost, but more importantly many of them will relate to your go-green endeavours. For example, not only will the various county shows feature old tractors, crafts and eco-products, but perhaps more importantly they might offer you an outlet for your goods or produce.

       Not only will you have room to take up horse riding, watch nature, build eccentric garden structures, run around the garden singing or whatever takes your fancy, but the space will allow you to experiment and build some of the off-grid options – such items as a wind turbine or a water turbine, in fact all sorts of large structures that you could not build in town.

       There are fewer people in the countryside. You will have more personal space, which can be very important for some people.

A place in the town

       Is urban self-sufficiency feasible?

      Reports suggest that there are three groups of go-greeners: those who live in the town and yearn for the countryside; those who live in the countryside and want to be even more isolated; and those who enjoy living in the town and want to stay put. There are few country people who yearn to live in the town. The town dwellers who want to stay put are at an advantage because they are already familiar with the possibilities and limitations of their environment.

      A carefully chosen, well-fitted, on-house wind turbine is a good option for a town house.

      An allotment will allow you to be self-sufficient in basic fruit and vegetables for the table.

      Fresh herbs can be grown in containers on the patio and doorstep, as well as indoors on the windowsill.

      FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

      You can turn the majority of your garden – most of your decorative beds – over to food crops.

       Is it possible to be self-sufficient in town? Yes, but it is very different from trying to make a go of it in the countryside. As might be expected, town-based self-sufficiency usually has more to do with the efficiency of the house, growing produce, and keeping chickens, rather than having large dynamic structures such as wind turbines, and practising large-scale animal husbandry.

       Are allotments a viable option? Allotments are a very good option in some countries – they are low-cost and in most of the UK there are still plenty on offer. Many allotment associations traditionally allow holders to keep small livestock such as chickens, rabbits and goats.

       Can I turn my whole garden over to growing fruit and vegetables? Yes, as long as you do not break any local regulations or codes. For example, while you can have one or more greenhouses, you usually cannot have a polytunnel.

       Can I turn my garden over to livestock? Much depends upon the size and location of your garden, but usually there is nothing to say that you cannot have small animals such as chickens or rabbits.

       Are there any restrictions against animals? Most local-authority restrictions concern noise, mess and smell. For example, in a town house, although you might be allowed to keep chickens, pigs might be off limits.

       Do I need to ask permission from the neighbours? For the most part, your neighbours will not mind what you are doing, as long as it does not impinge upon their space. However, while most people are happy with chickens, rabbits and perhaps even a couple of goats, some people have a real fear of bees.

       Do I need permission for a wind turbine? Much depends on the size of your garden and the type of wind turbine, but the answer is generally yes – you do need permission from your local authority. Wind turbines are becoming smaller and more compact, however, and government thinking is rapidly changing, so keep a check.

       Do I need permission for a solar collector? The rules vary depending upon precisely where you live, but, although you do need permission from your local authority, it is generally given. Once again, as governments are now giving grants to encourage off-grid energy, the likelihood is that you will get permission.

A place in the country

       How is rural living different?

      Certainly, a country person will know more about country life than a town person, but the inspired town dweller who wants to follow the dream and move to the country is likely to be very strongly motivated. While a town person might be completely ignorant of all the complex and sometimes harsh realities of country living, this in itself can put them at an advantage. Sometimes it is good to look at a problem from a fresh perspective.

       Your first fresh, straight-from-the-hen egg will be a joy!

      Beekeeping is a good option; it is relatively low in cost, you will be able to join a local group, and there is always a ready market for local honey.

      A good-sized polytunnel will allow you to extend the growing season for the greater part of the year – planting a month or two earlier and harvesting a month or two later.

      Sheep are a good low-cost option, but your children may make friends with the lambs.

      FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

       Is a country option easier? It is easier in the sense that there is more space, but not so easy in terms of travel and transport. I think that country living is by far the easiest go-green option because land is often less expensive, there is more space, and there is more choice.

       Is a country life lonely? Living in the country can be quite lonely, especially if you are seen as being different. Living in a small community can be very restricting as everyone will know your business. If you are of an independent nature, you will feel empowered. Certainly, there are fewer people, but you will have more personal space – a very important factor for some people. Then again, country people can be very caring and protective. If you have school-age children, you will soon be drawn into school and village activities.

       Is transport a problem? Transport costs can be high, especially if you live off the beaten track. You will need a reliable van or truck – possibly a four-wheel drive (try to choose a fuel-efficient model).

       Is livestock a difficult option? Livestock needs year-round care, even on celebration days. If you have a cold, flu or a sprained ankle, it can be a huge problem. However, while some people see animals as a tie, others see them as an opportunity to de-stress and