Author Topic: Land usage (Read 6951 times)

numptykevin · « **on:** May 03, 2008, 11:32:38 pm »

Hopefully someone will be able to help with this one.

We are in the process of buying our first smallholding which is currently divided into seperate areas for sheep, chickens, geese, horses and ducks.

As we have no plans to have any animals for quite some time, ( if ever ), we want to be able to let our young children play where the animals once were. Does anyone know if we need to leave the land for any period of time to ensure any disease type hazards are no longer present, does it need treating in some way, or are we being over cautious ?

Many Thanks

Wildman · « **Reply #1 on:** May 04, 2008, 09:20:06 pm »

Hi, I see your showed under with replys???. The only thing I would say is you may get the best info from DEFRA. It would depend on the time past from the last animals on site and if any had anything.

resistance is fertile · « **Reply #2 on:** May 05, 2008, 08:38:28 am »

What is the state of the paddocks? do you know what densities and how long ago the animals were in them?

If they have recovered and are well grassed everything will be fine, if they are thin, muddy or stink then maybe sow a good meadow mix asap.

Always good to do a soil analysis, even a simple one so you can begin to understand and get to know how your soil is working. A simple PH and a look at colour and consistency will help along with a look at the species that are dominant will tell you alot about how to go forward.

danndans · « **Reply #3 on:** May 06, 2008, 11:00:44 pm »

Hiya, weve got a campsite, and we graze the camping fields in the winter, we then have to make sure they are clear of stock for 6 weeks before the site opens for the season. This is something that the council specify, it is then good for kids and campers

numptykevin · « **Reply #4 on:** May 16, 2008, 08:37:39 pm »

To those of you who have the replied - obviously experts in this field - many thanks for the information. Good to know I do not have to remove the top three metres of soil to make things safe....would make a nice pool though !!