[YoungRasher]

Hi All.
  The land we bought last year has got 2 acres of woodland with it which up until now we haven't touched. When we finished hay making at the weekend I decided to have a go at exploring it again. This is where the problem started. Its so thick and heavily packed that I can't access most of it. My question is what is the best way to clear the ground? Pigs were my first thought but then I wondered if there would be any poisonous plants or trees.

I'll try to get some pictures uploaded so you can see what I'm dealing with. There seems to be a lot of plants/shrubs that are in flower at the minute and these are the ones that are blocking the path. The whole piece of land borders on to a managed woodland and what I have has self seeded over the years.

I just wanted to see what other people would do with it.

Thanks.

[bloomer]

fence it and put piggies in if you want it clearing thoroughly, otherwise time to get the power tools out :-)

[YoungRasher]

That sounds like the plan i'll go with.

Having never kept pigs before I was worried about over feeding them seeing as they would have so much to go at in the woods. would it just be a case of. if they look fat cut back.

[bloomer]

that will need to wait for an expert, i can only testify to the job i have seen done for others by piggies clearing rough ground!!!

[happygolucky]

I am always amazed at how fast plants grow in the woods, then in winter they all are gone.......I often walk in a forest where the Bracken is over my head, mind you that's not difficult as I am not that tall. Pigs would be great and you would benefit both ways....not sure its safe enough for any birds like chickens...too handy for the Fox etc!