ALMOST HALF of the UK population dreams of owning a smallholding – according to a recent survey by NFU Mutual.

Escaping from city pressures and pursuing what many people believe to be the idyllic ‘good life’ is the dream lifestyle of 47% of the UK.

For most of the people wanting to become smallholders, the main reasons given were: living more sustainably or becoming self-sufficient (58%); having a healthy lifestyle (54%); a great way to spend retirement (50%); and the opportunity to live in the countryside.

Unfortunately, it was also recorded that 44% of respondents said they were unable to make their dreams come true due to the high costs involved in buying and setting up a smallholding. These warnings are confirmed by existing smallholders, with only 24% reporting that their land generates an income.

There are approximately 45,000 smallholdings across the UK, ranging in size up to around 12 acres.

NFU Mutual's Chris Walsh said: “It’s great to see that so many people yearn for a simple country lifestyle in our fast-paced 21st century world.

“However, as the UK’s main rural insurer, protecting thousands of smallholdings from the perils of fire, storm, floods, accidents and livestock diseases, we’re well aware of the need for people to think carefully before taking the plunge,” he stressed.

“While the reality of smallholding lives up to the dream for many people, working the land has many challenges – particularly if you have no previous farming experience.”

Rosemary Champion, who runs a smallholding with her husband in Scotland and has attracted a wide following for her Accidental Smallholder blog, said: “A smallholding is the dream for many, including myself – being self-sufficient with a few acres in the countryside and looking out at a beautiful view,” she enthused. “But even if you aren’t planning to try to make a living from your smallholding, doing a bit of business planning is a sound investment of time.

“Consult the family and any like-minded friends. Having responsibility for the stewardship of land is a big commitment in terms of time and money, so it should not be entered into lightly,” Ms Champion urged.