The Down the Lane Downshifter Diaries
I started Down the Lane as a Website at the end of 2000, the year I gave up ‘the proper job’ and downshifted into a world of chicken keeping, frugal living, vegetable gardening and paying the Bills by doing all sorts of oddjobbing. The Site included a Monthly Diary. As the Site progressed, I upped this to a Fortnightly Diary to record the many ups and downs of surviving through Self Reliance
As time has gone on, I now have a routine of Summer, working for Kent County Cricket Club as a Dressing Room Attendant for Home and Opposition Teams and in Winter, mainly working as an Oddjobber and general ‘whatever there is’.
There have been times when it’s been so rough I’ve hidden valuables under the floorboards should the Bailiff arrive, but these have been offset by some good times where I’ve been able to achieve a few bonus’s as well.
This has got to be the best diary I have read. You should be on BBC radio 2 instead of the allotment spot. What a great site. very well done
Hi, just a quick note to share that i’m new to your weblog but I am undeniably the latest fan. Oh and to cheer on ITALY for WORLD CUP 2010!! Viva Italia!!
Hi,
What you have done is amazing, i have only just come across your site so theres so much more to read on it, but i was researching the history of battery farming and the horrible disgrace it is. I am looking to start my own free range farm in australia, and i adore chickens, the horror stories that are so true with battery farming always upset me so ill definately be a rescuer once i find suitable land. I just wanted to let you know, you have done a great job saving the chickens you have saved and im glad theres others out there that make the effort! Hannah
Hi Just like to say what a wonderfull web site you have.My wife has always wanted chickens and 3years ago bought me an incubator which until recently has never been used, by accident we visited a man who had chickens and he gave us many eggs to incubate most where light blue in colour. we now have 11assorted birds at 8 weeks old,they are all different in colour,havnt got a clue what i have got or what is male or female,they have half an acre to run around in and are like pets,often coming into the kitchen and eating the cats food, no eggs yet but told 22weeks before they start to lay, dont have a clue what i am doing but can say these burds are as happy as pigs in s… thank you for your website i am your most avid fan
This is inspirational. Thank you. I found you by googling care for my ex-batts (picked up yesterday) but they appear to be alright! It’s my first year of veg growing and we’re always looking for creative ways to save and make money so your site’s fantastic. We’re lacking a knowledgeable parent, friend or neighbour in the way we wish to live, so we’ve adopted your site!!
Hi there. Just checked out your blog on being an extra! Really enjoyed it and can say I’ve had similar experiences on the other side of the world! (Downunder in fact!) Have you had any more work since then or is it just chickens?
What a brilliant website. I am just about to receive my first delivery of chickens. I found your website and it covers everything I need to know. I particularly love the video on feeding chickens! I am sure I will be visiting again, making sure I am doing the right thing. Wish me luck and thanks
Great site I was really inspired. Have a blessed day and keep up the good work!
Good post, really liked your blog