Trillium - Yes, it's amazing that people take such risks with what in most cases is probably the biggest purchase of their lifetime. Caveat emptor, as it said in the info pack sent to us by our conveyancers.
An orchard is one of the things that's high on our list of priorities. There are at least two apple trees (I think) already on the property, but they look very old (and tall - perhaps 30+ feet). I'm not sure if they are worth keeping.
I was originally thinking about screening off the part of the garden where the poly-tunnels are going to be with something ornamental, but instead I'm considering putting in a double row of fruit trees, with rows of fruit bushes (gooseberries, raspberries, etc ) in the middle. As well as screening off the poly-tunnels I'm thinking it would also act as a wind break.
On top of that, I'd also like to try growing some trees in the poly-tunnels. I suspect figs would do well, and I've been collecting lychee seeds, although I have no idea if they would work. I'll definitely ask around to see what the locals recommend, but I'll also have to do a bit of experimentation.
John - Raised beds are something I've been considering, but I think I'll simply pile the soil into a mound rather than surround the soil with something like wood.
Thanks for the tools tip. I was actually planning to ask what people on here would recommend as a basic "stater kit" of tools.
So far my list looks like this:
Rotavator
Chainsaw
Fork/spade
and there's a tool that I can't remember the name of that's a bit like a pic.
I'll also keep the things you said about the locals in mind
So far the majority of people that we have run into in the area are from across the border. As far as language goes, I have to admit I struggle to even get the place names right. Languages were never my strong point, but I'll have to try and learn a few basic words/phrases at least.
grinling - Thanks for the reply/advice. I do intend to contact the local planning authority and run my plans by them. I'm hoping that it won't be a problem though, as the property is screened by trees very well from the neighbouring properties.
I'm surprised to learn that someone new can move in and make a complaint about an already existing structure. I wonder if Charlie's poly-tunnel was outside the local planning authority guidelines to begin with? Even so, it does sound a little unfair!