If you haven't already you should look at making a hydraulic ram pump in your stream to pump water up your hill. It required no external energy (i.e electricity) as it uses the natural flow of the water to slowly pump the water uphill.
@domrumble82432 жыл бұрын
Amazing pumps these.A friend in a neighbouring wood plot has set one up where the gradient is 1 in 3.With a pipe run of 250ft,its works like a dream( I also like the rhythmic putt putt putt sound it makes)
@hollyjensen23712 ай бұрын
one of the joys of living in a 250 year old house is that the original family here put the 4 survival principles first almost as the cornerstone was laid. during long term power outages (even if the generator wasn't working) we stay comfortable because of easy access to flowing water, fireplaces/woodstove. We do get very severe weather here, and we never take modern convenience for granted. At the same time, The old methods are not all that difficult if you just take the time to think your way through them. Love the videos and your insights. thank you
@fine93752 жыл бұрын
Living near London, I genuinely think this is going to be the only way of having somewhere affordable to live that doesn't make me suicidal 🤣
@tamila73812 жыл бұрын
I'm so happy to see you following your dream. I knew the van was the first step to being self reliant. You've done such a great job and while I'm not able to live this life, I feel I can go along with you and learn to enjoy life in the simplistic form. This is not easy to live off grid, but it can be achieved, and every learning experience is a step closer. I wish you all the best and I'll be peeking over your shoulder as you share this experience. Best wishes from Missouri, USA.
@ragnkja2 жыл бұрын
Yet the van is also the part of his system that is most vulnerable to any large-scale disruption that would make such self-reliance necessary, because without the specific fuel that needs to be refined at specialised facilities it’s basically just a small, heavy shed with wheels.
@QuantumPyrite_88.92 жыл бұрын
@@ragnkja You nailed it .
@nightwolf15922 жыл бұрын
@@ragnkja I’ve got a Mazda Bongo so in a desperate situation you can literally run it on veg oil new or used 👍
@ragnkja2 жыл бұрын
@@nightwolf1592 But for how long? Something you can do once in a desperate situation isn’t necessarily something that you can keep doing for years.
@ricksmith92562 жыл бұрын
Isn't there legislation brewing up over there as we speak that will prevent van life?
@MultiTaraka2 жыл бұрын
Oh man, that land is gorgeous! So happy for you, to be able to fullfill your dream. Good luck going forward with this and I am already excited for the next update, coming year.
@pendantblade63612 жыл бұрын
I'm so happy for my favorite Scottish highlander to get his land set up!
@Happyheart1462 жыл бұрын
You've come a very long way. I've learned an awful lot from you. This is a very wise move you and your partner are making, especially with the way the world seems to be heading... You have a very reasoned and organised approach which I thoroughly enjoyed peeking into - thank you for sharing with us. I hope you both have much fun and success!! It is my hope to take my daughter camping and fishing off grid in Scotland, possibly long term, and I genuinely believe that a lot of what I've learned from you could mean the difference between life or death. All the best from Durham.
@MrDorz19942 жыл бұрын
With regards to charging your solar genny you might want to consider a semi-permament set using a mono or poly crystaline set up. There is a lot of books about mobile systems like that used in RV/caravans, something like a book by William Errol Prowse IV titled Mobile Solar Power Made Easy might be a good starting point. A youtube'r name Survival Lilly managed to make a 24v set up using the knowledge from this book, you could try that too
@jerrymacklow14522 жыл бұрын
Have you considered strawbale, rammed-earth, or cob building? Depending on local resources, they could be cheap. They're certainly effective. You have embraced composting toilets. Have you considered a reed-bed and pond system in combination? Would it be worth trying to set up a water storage energy system? I wish you good luck with your endeavours. It all looks exciting.
@davidgodley5212 жыл бұрын
You're an expert temporary builder...for temporary living. I retired from trucking 2 years ago, bought a van and moved into it. No rent! Whenever possible I like off road camping.
@markgibbs9042 жыл бұрын
After building a house in the 80s, I always make a drawing of any wood project. Doesn’t have to be to scale but the numbers need to add up. Great video as always. You’re on track for a successful camp.
@williamstamper5395 Жыл бұрын
Hey! watched again as an refresher, it is 2023 and 74 oh boy what do I do now, HAVE FAITH! cheers.
@santiagocresci35392 жыл бұрын
Great job. Following you from Argentina, on the same page. I´ve just got my land. You can save time and firewood with a rocket mass heater/stove. You can build it yourself. It will give you a better result with less firewood than an iron stove.
@aurora20XX2 жыл бұрын
Really appreciate your ethos toward living and nature and your humbleness of the journey (how you accept you're constantly learning new skills, etc). Came across a plant id video of yours, enjoyed it and am now listening/watching this one! Wishing you all the best!
@EddieTheH11 ай бұрын
I think it's his "humbleness" that makes this channel. Feels like we're learning with him rather than from him. It makes everything more accessible than trying to learn from a huge ego who's an apparent expert in everything.
@neanderthaloutdoors92022 жыл бұрын
Off grid living away from the confused rat race is the only way to live sanely nowadays. I spent 2 1/2 years living on the road with my horse and 2 wheeled cart and living in a Bender tent, Hazel stick frame covered in tarpaulin, walking from place to place along country roads in southern England and doing odd jobs for cash when needed, a fantastic living experience but back then there was a bit less traffic to contend with. All the very best to you and your partner on this adventure, you can do a lot with 7 acres. Paul. P.S. Check out any reclamation yards for cheap building materials or demolition site's, always a good source and sometimes free to collect. Never be in a hurry to do anything, that's when mistakes will be made, there's always tomorrow.
@mikafoxx27172 жыл бұрын
Second hand bricks are better than the new ones! That might be considered a permanent foundation, though.
@carrisasteveinnes15962 жыл бұрын
I inherited a ten hectare plot a few miles North of Stirling in some quite dense forest with a lot of bloody hemlock and good water in soaks, seasonal and permanent streams and a decent sized permanent lake that is over ten feet deep in places. Not the most remote area, but very quiet. I've been looking at doing what you are doing for some time, plus stocking my lake with fish, putting up a windmill and digging a well, as we are on porous limestone that is close to the surface and is easily drilled to the aquifer estimated to be sixty meters down. I'm baulking at cutting down so much timber for the shack, shed and timber lean too, but with so much reasonably decent hardwood in the Hemlock we have, it is a good chance to cull much of that invasive species off the bat. Access is an issue, with just a muddy trail leading off a bigger muddy trail, so levelling and drainage must be seen to. As the elevation of the Northern part of the plot is higher than the Southern part (about 15 degree slope) we are looking at diverting some of the permanent water flow through some kind of turbine for power generation, apart from solar, wind and bio-diesel back-up. I watched the Townsends KZbin channel and saw how I could use my abundant mud for mud bricks for walls and floors and also as a kiln, and for various ovens, so keen to try those ideas.
@sbcinema2 жыл бұрын
for electricity you should think about a water wheel, it offers the advantage that it is not as unreliable as wind and sun.
@stolman21972 жыл бұрын
"Specialization is for insects" -Robert A Heinlein (find the full quote you'll love it) I look forward to your future videos on this project.
@mytws2 жыл бұрын
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
@TheDrakanMaster1242 жыл бұрын
This is why I want to homestead in Alaska we don't got no building regulations. We also don't have property taxes so that's nice. And the average sales tax is 1.76%. Oh and we also don't have an income tax
@Cetok01 Жыл бұрын
Another suggestion if this winter weather proves a bit too much: try a yurt. It's "temporary," weather-resistant, can be insulated more effectively than your fabric A-frame, and would provide more usable space.
@aaronmills42902 жыл бұрын
Just found your channel, tired of the rat race and fully aware my generation is signing a life of debt an misery for a traditional mortgage house. Currently studying Horticulture. Looking to go off grid too and become self reliant. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and experience. 🙏Best of blessings from Ireland.
@shelleypilcher3812 Жыл бұрын
I'm a shepherd and learning to live off and survive with as little as can.
@kirabellefrabotta8737 Жыл бұрын
You are my favorite non-music centered KZbinr. Thank you for your knowledge and documentation of such knowledge!! I love the music you played in this video as well. Always wishing you well and looking forward to you videos !
@YeloPartyHat2 жыл бұрын
This video is all about fantasies but let me just say, you're one of the most down to earth people I've heard in a while.
@anma89592 жыл бұрын
Very interesting! Much success! Look forward to seeing the rest of your journey!
@daopaleo2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing such valuable insights. I wish you and your significant other luck in your path. And I totally agree, from my experience, that planing is crucial.
@bigshoe9130 Жыл бұрын
Just a tip. Keep your panels played out so they are all facing exactly the same way - if only one panel is shaded a wee bit more that the rest then it will affect the over all array. Even a small bird poo covering a panel can drastically effect the whole array
@krellman916 Жыл бұрын
mate i love watching this stuff, im from Australia, so seeing how you would survive in Scotland is wonderful!! keep up the great work cobber
@angryherbalgerbil2 жыл бұрын
Building down from the water supply rather than up would have been a better move. That way you can use gravity to supply the water, rather than transport it. Provided there was suitable terrain downwards from the supply.
@fosterkennel649 Жыл бұрын
Wonderful to see you following your heart what a wonderful plan that I know you'll make it happen.. Blessings to you and yours coming at you from the hills of Southern Oregon
@rodneymiddleton10442 жыл бұрын
Congrats Tom and best of luck with this ,good to see what you have acheived thus far . That was a very nice gesture from Ecoflow giving you that battery and the extras talk about a major help with your building . Great idea with your shed too one side for keeping your wood nice and dry and the other for storing your tools etc as well as protecting them from the elements etc , I look forward for future updates . Take care mate :-) .
@joshuaharvard2715 Жыл бұрын
if you put studs at 12 in centers in your walls it adds strength and rigidity and you could get something like an Alaskan chain saw sawmill and cut your own boars from trees from your own land that mite in the long run save you some money and if you cut enough rough board you can mite be able to sell it and make some money
@aaronnoffsinger592211 ай бұрын
The ability to live in happiness with what God gave us is freedom. As a U.S. Army Ranger, doing humanitarian missions, Armed and ready for combat, of coarse, It changed my life to see people in what we call 3rd world countries live the same way they're ancestors did on goat cheese and wild food, no electronics, very little unneighborly conflict and marvel at the technology I carried in a backpack pack. Mean while in the US and Europe, we complain about trivial things like, coffee, shoes, traffic, the cost of gasoline and what the Kardashian's are doing. Good for you putting out both informative and awesome entertainment!
@gozer872 жыл бұрын
Beautiful site. 11 year old me is totally jealous of the running stream.
@BelegaerTheGreat2 жыл бұрын
*That is a BEAUTIFUL piece of land!*
@jfsinc2 жыл бұрын
Well done. Thank you 🙏
@spikemcnock83102 жыл бұрын
One of my favourite saying is "KISS". Good video, keep em coming!!
@docink61752 жыл бұрын
you could use a Hydraulic Ram pump, it doesnt need any power source, Stoney ridge farmer has a video about it pumping 150' or so up a hill and there are numerous build videos.. robert murray smith has numerous videos on wind and water generators, luke fugate lives in the mountains here in the US he has a couple of water generators he's built from reclaimed materials.. He built one home using mostly pallets and wood harvested from pallets that is powered by a stream powered generator as well as solar panels.. it will be fun to follow along with your build when ever you post it to youtube... sláinte
@simplylifeau5 ай бұрын
Well done and look forward to the update…👍
@DeathToMockingBirds11 ай бұрын
It's wonderful! I'm eager for the updates!
@thomasboyd68422 жыл бұрын
Art loves you Thomas. He win England again Thomas for Labour government you STV voting system for UK general election. Wales got STV voting system for local government elections in 2027. Awesome. Excellent channel.
@toryistatertot53942 жыл бұрын
I need a job so I can afford the patreon. Love the content and the accent and definitely all the knowledge shared. Good work.
@fananox20572 жыл бұрын
Just don't lose your smile. The work world Kills dreams.
@Keldow2 жыл бұрын
Keep Going Tom! great stuff!
@calchemist21 Жыл бұрын
You can wrap solar panels in a clear sticky vynl \ plastic wrapping . Ensure it is tightly fitted and sealed
@woodnugget13012 жыл бұрын
Awesome Tom. Looking forward to the next videos.
@longrider422 жыл бұрын
You should have built a Yurt. A well built Yurt is warm in the winter and sides can be rolled up in the summer for ventilation. Can you dig a latrine? Oh, and actually you are not off grid, because y our still connecting to the internet, yeah, I'm picking nitts :)
@alanduncan92042 жыл бұрын
Interestng stuff. - My advice, forget Solar. Scotland and even the South of England is too far North. October to March will be the worst time. Mid December on clear day you only have a max of 7 hrs daylight. Your best bet is Hydro and as a back up wind. The stream should run 24/7. The wind, again in Scotland can be zero or so strong the turbine will burn out or end up in Norway. Best of luck - you will need lots of it.
@davidgodley5212 жыл бұрын
I use a Bluetti solor unit. The 70s model, with solor panels.
@mateoandrews76092 жыл бұрын
got no notification from youtube that this video had come out. I am fuming...
@paulotoole49502 жыл бұрын
Check out a recent video from Huw Richards about growing potatoes. Going forward he is going to grow them in buckets so instead of one big harvest he can harvest when he needs them and move them to where makes sense. He also has a good book about veg in one bed. Square foot gardening is worth a look and they have some stuff about the three sisters and permaculture. Blackie Thomas also has some Q & A called the old times that might be of interest and he also does a lot of bucket gardening.
@brianshields71372 жыл бұрын
Hello, try looking into water hydrolic , or ram pumps with 1mt of drop into the pump it will pump 8mt to 12mt in height and 100mt to 150mt by distance no other power sauce required other than a good water flow
@boagart2 жыл бұрын
Ram pump is probably perfect for what's needed here, super simple and cheap. He should totally think about that.
@Ronoc_finn Жыл бұрын
10/10 mate. Looks like you are in the flow
@MrJRW12 жыл бұрын
Keep on following your heart and don’t let anything get in your way! Life is far too short not to! I think the world would be a much better place if we all lived like that! 👍🏻
@richardchartier30239 ай бұрын
I really like the things your get involved in doing. 😊 I'm going to take up the British Quarterstaff and have already ordered a staff 7'8" from Purple Hearts Armoury instead of cutting Maple Branches. I have sciatica in my left leg and also there's not a lot of Freedom here in New York State to use the land to travel as well. But i would like to. I'll continue to watch. Thanks
@johnnyjohnjohn42162 жыл бұрын
I love this. Love all of it. If i ever win the lottery mate or otherwise come into a load of money I'll donate some to you.
@jimb36852 жыл бұрын
Fantastic stuff and your philosophy is spot on!
@calchemist21 Жыл бұрын
Long story short the uk does not want us living on land we own cheaply 😅. Keep up the work man
@shelleypilcher3812 Жыл бұрын
I love everything and agree with all you said at the end of the video
@myvoiceyourstory933811 ай бұрын
I’m so proud of you
@nicolebarley3944 Жыл бұрын
Great video Tom, thanks for sharing! My boyfriend and I are looking to buy land in Scotland with a similar vision.. would love to see another video showing more about how you found your plot and how you funded it. Keep up the good work!
@bigwilf19662 жыл бұрын
Good luck with this myself andmy partner have just bought some land in ayrshire and are starting too plan for being off grid in a few years.
@quintork41002 жыл бұрын
apart from me since very young having a passion to travel and live freely and having a scottish parents and going to school in scotlland before i was put in the care system!after running away from an evil predator that haunted us all,i luckily was trained in kendo and jodo for many tears before care and fandabidozi kind of puts all my experiences living rough as a child and all through my life combined with my love of the staff,sword,survival and being a bonkers pict !all in one sacred bowl,bless you man!its very good for mine and many others to learn and share!slaine va!
@harrilittle Жыл бұрын
Oh the irony of H*llo Fr*sh being the banner ad that KZbin put under this video for me. Great video as always, thanks FDD
@dylanodoherty97022 жыл бұрын
Tom, you should consider horses for bringing in your materials up the track. Contact some local Horse loggers through the BHL 👍
@Doesch2 жыл бұрын
Love it! Thank you for sharing! 😁
@TbonePlummer Жыл бұрын
Have a look at Martijn Doolyards electrical set up! His is water and snow proof and is a great modular set up.
@dedboi13765 ай бұрын
Another great vid. Thanks.
@mpccenturion Жыл бұрын
Cheers from Canada.
@seanorme7605 Жыл бұрын
Love it! during lock down we lived in the mountains in one of those canvas bell tents, also only partly covered by a large stretchy tent...The bell tent was super cozy BUT the whole things should actually stay dry...if it gets wet and does not dry properly then black mould starts to form and then spreads like wild fire...keep an eye out for this under the flaps on the outside as this is where ours started...if you see any sign of mould spray it down with a 50/50 mixture of bleach and water. Good luck!
@cmliphone Жыл бұрын
I've always been impressed with your videos. I think the issue isn't one person or even several unconnected people trying to homestead it's an entire society changing its ways. Perhaps it can start with one or a few people, but with such large numbers of people, it can be hard to sustain. There's a reason why technology and society "advance" we're looking for easier and more scaleable ways to get the thing we need and behond a certain population mass technolgy is the only way to make changes happen. Sustanabality has to be soemwhat transparent and forced on a population when it's so large and most people don't care. For exampel in my state, I'm in the US, they banned single use plastic bags. They just did it and i'm sure pepole were upset and it caused issues for the retailers, but people it anyway , and yes becuase they were forced to, but it still happend. Sustainabality is complex but I appriecate your efforts in your own life.
@aranha93659 ай бұрын
Man, that is amazing!!!!
@jonyshaffer80782 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing what books you recommend!! You'll never learn everything and books are logged knowledge when you forget something. Awesome job on the video! 👉
@williamsisk28972 жыл бұрын
For building materials, try contacting local business and ask them if they throw away shipping pallets. Free pallets can be useful for building both a cabin or makeshift furniture.
@thatonescotsman30482 жыл бұрын
Love this, been watching you mate since your early solo wildcamps and love the journey you have been on. Learned loads, and wish you the best of luck with this. Looking forward to it.
@casinodelonge2 жыл бұрын
Love your work fella, you're always thoughtful, informative, respectful and cheerful!
@nightwolf15922 жыл бұрын
This is one of the most exciting and uplifting videos I’ve come across lately. I really wish you all the best. Your channel has gone from that’s fascinating to bl##dy hell, bang up to date vital stuff.
@MisterKisk2 жыл бұрын
Just sent a PayPal donation. Keep up the good work mate.
@williamstamper53952 жыл бұрын
Way the go! I like it, I may not get the van now but later after my trip from Scotland with relatives, but the reading material might be a handy plus others, I might be almost 74 soon but that doesn't mean I can do it your patreon William G.
@stevemcdermott61992 жыл бұрын
That's amazing Tom I can't wait to see it take shape for you
@josephr95512 жыл бұрын
Great moving your dreams into reality, Tom. Your land looks a lot like Maine USA, where I live.
@ramhammer10-411 ай бұрын
Living off grid but getting funding from thousands of people on grid genius. Lol I'm joking i totally respect your way of life. I'm going to do both on and off grid. My own grid home will be used for Airbnb income.
@craigmooring20912 жыл бұрын
I wish you Godspeed in your wonderful plan. I'm looking forward to seeing it bear fruit.
@journeyman71892 жыл бұрын
An awesome beginning to what is and will be a great place to work and live. Looking forward to more as always. Nate
@Flurbo696 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@IndyBrainWave2 жыл бұрын
it was great to meet you today and play with swords. 😁 Hope to see you more and discuss experimental archaeology with you, if you'll put up with me ;)
@Nyctophora2 жыл бұрын
Great stuff!
@Emanemoston Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video.
@chriszuhlke8380 Жыл бұрын
If your water stream flows all year long you could use a RAM pump which only has 2 moving parts and uses no electricity
@Xacute002 жыл бұрын
Amazing, one thing I don't agree with is using the creek water as a source of water, as that can lead to disease or sickness if not properly filtered. The best thing you can do is construct a well, as I'm sure you may know wells are considered to be mystical or (holy??) to ancient/medieval Scottish people and I think it would be cool if you constructed your well while going over the lore and legends behind wells in Scotland. Great video such an amazing feat.
@matthabir48372 жыл бұрын
Excellent.
@vatrenvatren62802 жыл бұрын
Have you considered a ram pump for pumping water from the stream? It uses the energy of the stream itself and is really easy to build. Just 2 valves and some tubes. There are plenty of videos on KZbin about this thing.
@sentinel_25512 жыл бұрын
That's a beautiful destination
@norsepnw35782 жыл бұрын
We need a new video man 😂 Ive already watched all your videos love you channel and looking forward to new content
@IodoDwarvenRanger2 жыл бұрын
This is all very impressive stuff, your so lucky to be able to do this and I can't wait to see more
@edwardfletcher77902 жыл бұрын
Love your story and your direction mate 👍😆 Keep an eye out for people wanting demolition work done as they often want the materials disposed of.
@TheRealAnarchrox2 жыл бұрын
Here's hoping (and knowing) it will come to fruition for you. You have a smart plan. What may be of use to you is looking into a hydraulic ram pump system for water as it doesn't require power. A solar system certainly couldn't hurt but what also may (down the track) be a viable solution is building a water wheel in the stream to charge spare solar batteries and store them in a shed down there and swap out as needed when Scottish weather decides that solar isn't as viable an option. There's a channel called AdvokoMakes and he has made a pretty decent water wheel and off grid cabin that's worth a watch for ideas as he's a fairly smart dude. Keep up the good work and don't give up!
@orenmontgomery82502 жыл бұрын
Yay! New video. 😁
@Odderek2 жыл бұрын
It's funny how something like the way humans lived for 99.9% of our existence (being close to nature and it's rhythms) is becoming desirable again. That speaks for itself.
@lacalliandra2 жыл бұрын
What great explorations you are into - thanks for sharing! Regarding wood, you may want to look into the tradition of coppicing. Plant a diverse hedge (which can also provide nuts and fruit, apart from creating lovely habitat for wildlife!) with species such as hazel and elder, which can be radically cut down every few years and will grow back quickly, with multiple stems that are a handy thickness for small wood ovens (less work to split than a tree that takes aaages to get to a harvestable size!). Coppice hedges are harvested in sections, which has less impact on the ecosystem too. So what's not to like? :D Cheers and lot of fun with all your lovely projects!