To Move to Wales

[TheHateIsNotGood]

Nothing wrong with Wales except I would feel rather ashamed/guilty for moving there because the main reason is that me and ds are no longer able to 'buy into' the agricultural life that we both are suited and qualified for is because the countryside round here in NW Devon is now so gentrified that 'way' of living is now way out of reach.

My understanding is that Wales does encourage livestock farming and we would rather learn from the local wisdom than try and change anything.

IABU - you're just shifting the problem and Wales don't want you
YANBU - worth considering as Wales could do with some more Young Farmers

@TheHateIsNotGood , Welsh isn't a dialect, and it's probably not the easiest language to learn. Learning it isn't compulsory, but you might find that the daily language on the farm is Welsh. Most people can speak English, but many don't on a daily basis.

In your position, I'd be looking at North Yorkshire or Northumberland. You'd need to learn the dialect though.

‘Conduct your life’, ie ‘live’ or ‘go about your life’. Similar to ‘conducting business’. It’s a pretty common expression.

The rural villages around Wrexham are mostly non Welsh speaking.
The very recent 20mph rule on Welsh roads is irritating, but then again so is being behind a tractor !

We have a large farm and we are surrounded by other farmers (south wales) and we all very much speak English (24/7).

Christ alive any thread about the possibility of moving to Wales always descends into whether or not you'll be ostracised for learning/not learning the language.

I'm Welsh, born and bred, grew up on a Welsh farm, come from generations of Welsh hill farmers. You'd be welcome if you're looking to become a genuine part of the community wherever you go.

As per my post above, I live in Carmarthenshire, a largely welsh speaking area. I was in a relationship with someone who had a farm, I've rounded up cows, helped milked cows, moved cows across roads, put up electric fences, mucked out stables, etc, plus other things that I dont want to go in to right now. All without speaking Welsh 🤷‍♀️. Thank fully those days are behind me now.

@SirCharlesRainier - it is a moral dilemma for me because that's the way I think. I would stay here in NW Devon, I know my ds would rather, but the facts are that there is now no way we could afford to 'farm' and nor is there enough 'farm-work' available - we don't have a million £s available.

But maybe with our £100k we could 'farm' and do 'farmwork' in Wales. The moral dilemma is, that I don't want to be stamping on other other people if that would be the case.

How ignorant.

The majority of Welsh people live in cities and don’t speak Welsh as a first language.

Go out to the countryside away from the big cities and you’ll find the majority of farmers are Welsh first language.

I was born and still live in Wales and have managed without being fluent in Welsh for over 50 years as well. Don’t live anywhere near a city and there’s a farm at the bottom of the road. There are plenty of Welsh speakers in the area and some of my children and grandchildren speak Welsh but it most certainly isn’t necessary where I live.

Ti’n iawn, del?

If you’re coming from a farming community into a farming community you’ll be much more accepted. Vast majority of Welsh people I’ve met in rural areas are actually really friendly so long as you’re not there to make another holiday home that prices locals out.

Start learning the language and if you’re in Welsh speaking areas people are very accommodating of anybody who’s trying to learn and trying to be part of the community.

Thank you so far to everyone for their input - including the pedants. The other option I was considering was Albania - if it wasn't for DS I'd say, fuck it, off I go.

Many rural areas are now suffering from the farmhouses and outbuildings from what were small farms now being run as holiday lets, and the land rented to neighbouring farms. It's probably not the same as Devon, but I think it would be quite hard to find agricultural land to rent or buy, if that was what you plan to do.

@Tiredmum100 , that's Camarthenshire. The sheep farming areas in North Wales are more Welsh-speaking.

Generally speaking the M4 corridor is English speaking, further West and Mid/North are more Welsh speaking. Carmarthenshire all the farmers I’ve met have been Welsh first language.

How old are your children?

One thing you might wish to consider is that in some parts of Wales, Welsh medium schools are the majority. I think it's Gwynedd (but could be wrong) where foundation phase teaching is in Welsh and English is introduced from Y3. Not all parents will be Welsh speakers so you won't be alone, but it might influence your decision. Where I am (Flintshire), most schools are English medium so is the main language used.

If you did decide to learn a bit of the language I am sure it would be appreciated - basic greetings and thank you etc. Also, learning how to pronounce the place names in the area is helpful.

@GogLais that is exactly what has already happened in Nth Devon. No outbuilding or parcel of land is priced for local purchase. Very few owners actually farm themselves, but Lease to the smaller farms. I've even got an empty 2nd home in my non-descript town terrace next door.

I'm old, my son is young, and he's capable with experience - as am I.

True, North Wales is one of my most favourite places in the world. But yes, I would say more Welsh speaking. I was always an outsider on that farm. Even when I tried to speak Welsh, maybe that was more to do with my horrible ex.

Pembrokeshire is the place to go- mini England 🤪. Again, I love Pembrokeshire.

I'm 61, my ds is 21. Our dog is 7.

OK- ignore the point about schools - unless you are enrolling your dog.

Just do it. Wales is beautiful.

Isn't 7 a bit old to be learning Welsh?

GogLais - don't tell my husband that.... he had to learn Welsh for work and he's in his 40s. He can't actually answer any work related queries in Welsh but he can tell people that he likes football and doesn't like ironing.

Have you looked at the borders/Herefordshire?

@StripyHorse , but 7 for a dog is about 50 in human years. 🐕
The local dogs won't understand him.

All the farmers here speak Welsh, many of my friends rarely speak English in their day to day life.
There is also huge anger here at people with no sense of our culture , moving in after selling up in more affluent areas.