AIBU - using my own field for my animals

[FleecyMoo]

I moved to one rural area from another equally rural area last year and was careful to try and 'fit in' here as soon as I arrived. I moved to this location specifically because it's a very cheap area and I have a little hobby farm and needed the land for my animals. I couldn't afford land anywhere else and have had to compromise on the size of the house so that I could afford the field too which is fine since I spend a lot of time outdoors.

What I hadn't realised though is that the farmer who sold me the field was previously letting someone else use it for their livestock (no idea if he charged them rent or not) and I think they are probably angry about me using it. Their animals were in the field when I arrived but they took them out without me asking. Since then they have complained about various things I've done, none of which have actually affected them, so AIBU to carry on using my field in the way I want?

Sour grapes. It's yours, carry on as you wish!

Of course your not being unreasonable.
Just carry on.
It's not your fault the farmer sold his land to you.

So it's your field, as in you own it, and the old tenants of the field are moaning that you are using it as you wish as the land owner?

If that's the case, ignore them. That would be like previous tenants of a house complaining about how the new landlord used it.

Depends what you have done and what their complaint was...

Nope. YANBU. Your field and, within reason, do what you want with it!

What sort of things have they complained about?

It’s your field. Do what you like with it!

What did they complain about?

First they complained that my electric fencing was bringing theirs down. That wasn't true though because mine was never connected to theirs. When they complained I actually cut through the cable that they thought I was using to 'steal' their power to prove that my fencing had nothing to do with their power going down.

Then they complained that I had 'too many fenced off areas' within my field. I have to have fencing within the outer fencing though because I can't have all the livestock in one paddock. It's not a big field but it does need to be divided as different animals have different needs.

It's your field so crack on and use it as you please.

Who voted that you are being unreasonable?

The old owner may have been if he didn't tell the tenant they needed to move their animals but you have done nothing wrong.

Why is this even a question?

Assuming that the land is legally yours and you aren't doing anything forbidden with it why do you need to ask?

Pleasantville, someone has voted AIBU so it is obviously a question that I can legitimately ask :)

I am very conflict averse so I feel upset that I have unwittingly antagonised my neighbours and wanted to seek either reassurance or to be told to offer them something by way of compromise I guess.

Some people like to moan. I'd stop listening to it. Just stonewall them and don't engage with any of their nonsense.

Can you put a hedge in to block their view?

Nosy question - what animals do you have? 😄

It’s lovely to think of others and be smiley if it helps but your neighbours need to fuck off. Too many sections in your field? Tell them yes and you are delighted with it. Ask them to pet your Llama or how their turkey is or whatever but do not give them an inch.

The person who said you are u reasonable is your neighbour or pressed the wrong button...

QuestionableMouse, I hope that's the case because I definitely haven't done anything that I can think might have annoyed them except buy the field and I did that in good faith.

They have moved to a field on the other side of the road which is actually nearer to their house so they can no longer see my field unless they come over this side for any reason.

I keep rare breed sheep :D

Why are they bothered by you subdividing your field when they can't use it any more?
Bizarre neighbours. I'd steer clear as much as possible.

QualityFeet, you made me laugh

MiddlesexGirl, they told me that I had 'altered the look of the area' by dividing my field up instead of leaving it as one space. They have a point I suppose because I do have some sheep netting up and it's not the most attractive thing but I am gradually replacing it with stock fencing as and when I can afford it and have made the field look a lot more cared for and neater in my own opinion at least since the sheep eat the grass down to a nice sward.

You can't be conflict adverse in these situations, OP, because piss takers will make your life unreasonable. I had a neighbour who kept fly grazing on my land. I tried to be diplomatic about it the first few times and give him the benefit of the doubt but then I ran out of patience and also discovered he had form for bing a CF. Since I lost my rag, he n longer speaks to me and his wife gives me the evils if I meet her in the street but I careth not, because now I can use my property in peace. They are the type that would have had nothing but contempt for me if I had given them their own way and would have just kept pushing things. It's got nothing to do with anyone else how you manage your land so ignore or tell them to do one!

miserable not unreasonable! And please ignore the spelling mistakes, I really should take the time to check things over before I press send.

You are doing nothing wrong, but being conflict averse is an open invitation for pisstakers and busybodies to get involved in your life. I am afraid you are going to have to toughen up and get clear boundaries.

And you taught me a word ‘award’ I like that:) I need more sward in my life.

Thanks kk. You are right but it's still horrible to know you've upset someone and I worry that they might turn the rest of the village against me. I'm probably being silly though since at least three other people in the village are still talking to me this week Glad you've seen off your irritating, fly grazing neighbour!