[docsal]

I want to over-seed 2 small (1 acre each) fields with herbal leys and am aware I need to get cracking weather-wise.
However I have 4 pigs in one field (going to abattoir 10/10/18) and Heb sheep in the other (only 4, so not much footfall really). Can I go ahead while the animals are in there? My reading indicates yes and that their feet will help push the seed down into the soil. But elsewhere, some say it needs a few weeks to establish before letting animals on it. The pasture is currently rough, unimproved, although the pig field is nearly flat now, with some bare areas where their house and water trough are.
Any advice welcome!
Sally

[SallyintNorth]

I’m not hugely experienced in this area, but it would seem to me that you need stock off for a total reseed but that very light stocking - your 4 hebs - shouldn’t be so much of a problem with overseeding.  Pigs I would have thought was a no-no as they’ll dig, rootle, trample too deeply - and eat the seeds to boot.

[Carse Goodlifers]

Personally I’d want the grass grazed as short as possible before you overseed or if you can, stitch the seed into the sward. You’ll get good seed to soil contact for a good start.
I’d keep the stock off until there is good growth and then lightly graze the area before the winter. It might be worth doing one paddock this year and the other next year either next Autumn or next spring.