So what happens next?

[MaryN]

I am in awe of the knowledge of some of the contributors to this site, really, and it makes interesting reading. Just a few points though. If something really does go wrong, and I mean horribly wrong, what exactly are you all going to do? I understand the principle of bugging out with your family/group and keeping a nice collection of weapons to defend yourself. Yes, fine. I can see the point of long discussions about the Law and how to start up a new society, and all the scenarios that would entail. But, what are you going to do when your supplies run out; when you can't get fuel and you really are on your own?

When you have finished shooting all unwanted intruders and probably your own feet in the process; when all the bunnies and pheasants have been decimated by hunters who haven't given a though to the fact that animals need a breeding break or they simply become extinct, how are you going to survive? If the Tesco fairy isn't delivering to a store next to you, could you find ways to provide yourselves with the necessary basics?

I'm talking about food. I have no doubt that most people could find some sort of shelter, and could probably fix it up to some standard. But what about producing, growing or finding a long term supply of food. Have any of you taken any courses in animal husbandry, horticulture, cookery or farming practices?

If your nice BOV is now stranded without fuel or any hope of getting it and you are now reliant on horsepower, could you successfully look after your equine friends? Would you be able to deal with the basic ailments? Sort out foot problems? I've been riding since I was 5 and I am still learning.

It seems to me that things (post whatever) would go straight back to pre-Victorian times, possibly even earlier, and the old ways of doing things would be the new ways.

I reckon if you could tick about 50% of the following, you might stand a chance....

Do you know how and why a septic tank works? Could you construct one? If there is no power to run the local sewage system you will need to sort out your sanitation. Trust me, latrine pits do not hack it in the long run. Or how about a composting toilet?

Do you know the gestation periods for the basic farm animals - cow, sheep, pig, goat, poultry? If you want fresh meat you had better find out. Would you recognise the basic problems for any of the above animals - do you know anything about poultry ailments, or how to organise breeding cows, sheep or pigs?

Do you know which woods are the best for burning?

Could you organise and carry out a farming roster to enable you to crop wheat (bread, pasta), oats (animal feed), barley (beer) and possible some of the oil-bearing crops? Would you know when to plant and harvest?

Could you organise a kitchen garden and plant enough crops to give you something to eat year-round?

Do you have any knowledge of herbs and their medical/culinary uses? Could you treat someone with a sore throat, bronchitis or an upset stomach from your garden?

Do you know where your free hedgerow food is? Blackthorn, sweet chestnut, cobs, brambles, damsons, cherry plums, and possibly (lucky you) the odd walnut tree? Could you make wine from the hedgerows?

Do you know how salt is made? Have you ever seen a salt pan and could you make one? Salt is a major pre-requisite for the preservation of food and pretty vital really.

I am assuming that you would be able to find a supply of water, but just in case it is contaminated, could you set up a purification system, or even an extension reed bed filter?

Seems to me that the most basic requirements are not what sort of guns you have in your arsenal but how you are going to feed your family in the long term. With so many people now so disconnected from Ma Nature and the turning of the seasons, I should despair really.

Bonne chance!