Thanks for the replies :-)

I found the John Seymour book on Amazon last night so I'm going to
order it considering the glowing reviews that everyone is giving it.

I'm in a strange situation with starting up because my partner isn't
interested in animals or nature or outdoors stuff in general. I
have a fair bit of animal experience and currently work at a farm/
tourist attraction in the education section (which deals mainly with
creepy crawlies). Handling practice and advice is available (but
obviously they opperate on a commercial scale, so I still need to
research the smaller scale and multi species thing)

There's a strong possibility that two of my friends are interested
in joint purchase of some land, so there will be some support and
extra help there (they also have animal husbandry experience).

I think the main sticking point is the legal aspects and who you
have to notify of what you keep. I don't know about IACS or any of
those sort of bits and I'm worried about breaking rules I don't even
know about!

I can't do voluntry work (very tied to a mortgage and partner
definately wouldn't stand for that) I'm hoping my job will develop
into home working within a couple of years and that should fund
smallholding and be flexible enough to work the two together.

Okay, I think I've waffled enough.

Thanks again for the replies, time to get reading now ;-)

Claire