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?

You are definitely not being unreasonable. Just smile and ignore.

You could bend over backwards and give them the land and you still won’t be liked

You’ve moved to a rural area who are usually rude to strangers.

Doesn’t matter if you’ve tried to fit in, you’re new.

The fact you have taken what they view as THEIR land just makes them think it even more.

Ignore them. They will eventually come around

@FleecyMoo

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.

Tough tits. If they want a say on what a field looks like beyond the legal requirements, they buy that field.

Ignore! You can't please everyone.

They sound like knobbers. Can we see a pic of your sheep please?

Anyone who uses the word sward cannot be unreasonable, its an excellent word.

Just here for the sheep pics OP...

It's a field with sheep in it not a fucking area of natural outstanding beauty!

Look, it's one thing being risk averse, but that doesn't mean you allow yourself to be walked over or let people take the piss out of you.

I am not a massive fan of conflict either and if there is a peaceful resolution I'll generally take it but no one gets to screw me over either!

A field full of goats with a couple of donkeys is my dream 🐐

Next time they mention anything about the look of the field, just give them a really serious look and say ‘But what has this to do with you?’ Wait for them to answer, don’t fill the silence, because they won’t have a proper answer because they’re being TWATS.

Why worry about it?
Your field and how it looks and whatever fencing you choose is absolutely nothing to do with them. They don’t get a say.

It’ll blow over.

You really need to learn to head tilt and go "Ahhhh" in a pitying sort of way.

There are some right knobeads in the country.

Fleecymoo Hmmm...Jacobs?

@krustykittens

Is absolutely right.
People like this despise people who bend to their will.
Just ignore them but if pushed tell them to get lost and discuss it with the farmer who happily sold you the land.

If anything I would be telling the farm I bought the land in good faith and I am not impressed with being harassed by your former tenants!

It's sour grapes and I suspect most people in the area will know it.

Just keep on minding your sheep and being friendly.

We had a bad reaction when we bought a house with garden and field. The people who were renting the field had to vacate at the next lady day. They were not happy. We did not ask for the land, it was advertised as part of the property. To get their petty revenge when the fence was put in at the side of a right of way they made the right of way a bit wider. Effectively stealing some of our land. Pathetic. Agree that you should do as you please with your field OP. I bet it looks nicer with your sheep there anyway.