Over the past few months Smallholder appears to have increased the number of articles relating to the purchase of properties, smallholding courses, funding of rural enterprises and the like.

Obviously, research shows that there are people reading the magazine who have yet to make the jump from cosseted suburbia into the free spirited, self sufficient life of rural smallholding and are looking for information on what is actually involved.

Unfortunately, because some television programmes, books and articles give a much distorted view on becoming a self sufficient smallholder, few actually tackle any of the real issues involved. It is not until one makes that quantum leap that you actually begin to realise the truth. Simple things, like; there are not 365 sunny, rain free days in the year. An small electric lawnmower with 30 feet of cable will not cut an acre of paddock. Country people are not all nice and friendly, willing to freely share their very expensive equipment with some townie who doesn't know the difference between a ditch and a dyke. And, the country is not full of willing helpers who are prepared to work very long hours for no pay! In the countless books available, much mirth is made of the disasters that befall the novice, like the cow entering the polytunnel and taking the shortcut out of the side after devastating the contents. Whilst hilarious in hind sight, these little mishaps can be catastrophic to your income, notwithstanding the huge costs in repair bills.

Having made the decision to purchase our smallholding some three and a half years ago, we conducted vast amounts of research, read all kinds of books and articles and watched countless hours of television. We made detailed business plans, spoke with numerous experts and even drew up plans on how to change our plans - He who fails to prepare, prepares to fail! However, what we didn't do was seek advice from anyone who had done it before us, (we were townies and didn't know any country folk. One soon learns that green wellies and waxed jackets don't make you fit in any more than they do in suburbia).

Therefore, may I suggest that Smallholder dedicate a small section on the real experiences of those that have gone before; Perhaps a top ten tips section. I am sure that those readers who have yet to take the plunge would greatly benefit from the experiences and mistakes of the likes of ourselves and there must be hundreds of budding Peter Mayles' out there who would love to see their scribblings in print. Because, let's face it, when the freezing rain is being driven horizontally across your land and you cannot set foot outside, some of us spend time chronicling our experiences and either stick it on the Web or send it out in newsletters to family and old friends back in their cosy suburban semis! How about it?

Kindest regards, Peter Johnston Willow Herb and Holistic Centre, Rooskagh, Carrickerry, Athea Co. Limerick, Ireland P.S. You can view our story so far on our website www.willownaturaltherapies.com Eds note: We've taken Peter up on his suggestion and you can read his warts and all' account of real smallholding on a regular basis in Smallholder! But we'd also love to hear from YOU and your experiences.