If you have been farming successfully for many years then you may be wondering what would happen to your land should you give this up. A lot of farmers wish to quit at some point, but they then become concerned with the land and what will happen to it. Well, if you own it, then anything you like. Once you give up farming, the animals are one, and then you can transform your fields into anything. Think about something that may be close to your heart, as you don’t want to provide your field space for just about anyone. 

If you need some ideas and inspiration then check out the article below to find some ideas on what your leftover land could be used for.

Lease Your Land

One of the first options you have is to lease your land, this is a wonderful way to keep money coming into your accounts. A low effort income might be everything you need at this moment in your life. Think about who you wish to lease your land to, you won’t want to hand it over to just about anyone. 

Ask the right questions when you meet with potential renters. Find out what they will use your land for and how much they are willing to pay you each month. If something doesn’t sit right with you then don’t rent it out just for the sake of it. Wait for the right tenant to come along, listen to your gut. 

You could run into several issues with this, bear these in mind. Whoever rents your field needs to keep it in good condition. What if they don’t? Also, you have less flexibility and freedom with leasing the land as it may come with long contracts. 

Conservation Use

If you have lots of wildlife that make use of your land and call it home then the last thing you want to do is ruin their home. How would you like it if a giant bulldozer came along and knocked your house down, or worse, built a nicer house on top. The simple answer is, you wouldn't, so don’t do this to the animals that love your land. 

Using your land for conservation purposes also comes with a whole host of benefits, including lower property taxes. You may wish to apply for wildlife exemption, for this to be successful it might be useful to speak with land wildlife exemption specialists. You can also apply for several government grants to help you look after your land and any animals that you may have residing there. 

Do be aware, that if you wish to sell further down the line then it may be slightly harder if your land has been used for conservation. 

Add Developments 

This one might be slightly frowned upon, especially if you live near smaller villages who are protective of the land. However, how about using your vast land to create different types of developments. 

You may have always wanted to host a yurt or glamping campground. If this is the case then do your research to see what you need to bring this idea to fruition. You will likely need to apply for permits and grants before you can legally open to the general public. 

If you don’t want to run this yourself then you could provide your land to others looking to expand their businesses. Alternatively, if a business is looking for land then how about you listen to their project ideas. 

Mixed Use Land 

If developments aren’t really your thing then how about hosting various events on your land? Think Glastonbury in the UK or Coachella in Cali, this sort of scale. There will always be event holders that are on the hunt for new and interesting locations. It could quite easily be a win-win for both parties, as events bring in a significant amount of cash. 

You can also use the land for other things when it isn’t in use for festivals and parties. Multi use land is a popular choice as it offers flexibility and doesn't have strict contracts that you aren’t able to get out of. How about a petting zoo and farm shop to bring in the public, you can also use your land for a huge bouncy castle so the little ones are entertained. 

Leave It Be

If you really can’t think of a single thing to do with your pieces of land then why not just leave it for now? You don’t just want to sign it away for the sake of it, so let it become a more natural surrounding for wildlife. Think of a huge nature garden for bees, butterflies, and larger animals like hedgehogs or badgers. If you also have lakes and water ways then you can also be home to beavers, otters, and toads. 

Be careful though, one thing you don’t want to attract is pests and people who don’t care about your land as you do. You don’t want people to think nobody owns the land and trample all through it leaving their rubbish behind. 

Therapy Farms

Finally, how about doing something good with your land. You could lease it or sell it to schools or therapists looking to open forest schools. Forest schools have so many benefits including being out and closer to nature. If the community can make use of your farm then why not? You will become a local hero opening it up to care homes, schools, and dysfunctional teens who don’t like conventional education. 

A lot of planning will go into this, you may also need to design certain areas costing you extra money. However, it will all be worth it in the end to see so many happy faces wandering around. 

We do hope you found this useful and it gave you plenty of ideas on what you can do with your land. Remember, you don’t have to stick with farming if you don’t want to. Don’t let anyone pressure you into doing this as you simply won’t enjoy it anymore. However, what you do with your land is also your choice. You don't have to make any hasty decision, take your time so you are clear on what you want to use it for.