[waterbuffalofarmer]

2questions what time of year would be best for getting rid of gorse? Also can anyone recommend a contractor which would do it, in ceredigion, ??

[Mickey]

Not an answer for you but hoping to tag onto this topic and find out whether gorse is a problem or not.  We have a few large patches of it on our land and I notice that the previous owner had cut some of it and piled the pieces nearby, I'm not sure if he intended to burn it or not. 

Is gorse likely to spread further and should we get rid of it?  The few sheep that we have seem to like going into it, particularly when the weather is wet.

[waterbuffalofarmer]

Is it in the middle of the field? If its in the hedges I would leave it and make sure it doesn't spread. The problem with my sloping fields is that the previous Tennant to me neglected the sloping fields and in really trying hard to get rid of it.

[IretonsFarm]

Best this time of year when there aren't any ground nesting birds to disturb. Use a loader tractor or skidsteer with a bucket on the front and just drive pulling it out roots and all, then bit of diesel and burn the pile.

[SallyintNorth]

It will spread, slowly, yes.  It's great shelter for cattle but can be a problem with sheep - they can get tangled and caught up in it, and it can be very difficult to get at them to free them.  Or indeed to reach a sheep that's poorly and has gone in there to hole up.

[bazzais]

We have spent alot of time trying to beat gorse back where its not wanted.

But to be fair - its useful up here - in a few places here and there.  I know stuff goes in there to die - but if you know where to look, its a shelter and you know where stuff has gone when it maybe ill.


Not saying you want it everywhere, but a few patches here and there give not only dieing space, but shelter.

We have cut alot back - nightmare as it keeps coming back - stalks are still protruding.  But over time it will go back - but I have given up on certain slopes,.  Cant do it every year.

[bazzais]

Chainsaw, hatchet and graft. - Only tools required.

[Backinwellies]

Chainsaw, hatchet and graft. - Only tools required.

................. and time .......which is the limiting factor 

[clydesdaleclopper]

A Clydie    the big fella really knocked it back by eating it and stomping on the small stuff

[bazzais]

Everything takes time - or money - depends which you have most of.

[Penninehillbilly]

On one of the history farming props  (Victorian Farm?) They cut it and bashed it for animal feed, or if you garden it is supposed to keep mice off peas and bean seeds. If you have hedges push some into gaps to fill in?

[waddy]

Just pulled a load up very easily including most of the roots using a Discovery. It will be burned.


 
Helen

[Me]

I spent days clearing gorse on some foot access only steep rented land, as soon as the gorse was clear, the grass was green and the fences were fixed they decided they "fancied breeding a few sheep again" - beware

[devonlady]

I spent days clearing gorse on some foot access only steep rented land, as soon as the gorse was clear, the grass was green and the fences were fixed they decided they "fancied breeding a few sheep again" - beware

Been there, done that Me!! Gorse is great for burning in a bread type oven as it burns very hot, or in a Rayburn if you need hot water or a hot oven in a hurry.

[Louise Gaunt]

A bit off topic, but most old Guernsey farmhouses had a "furze oven" - furze being the term used for gorse in Buernsey, and as Devonlady says, they used to burn gorse in the oven to heat is before baking bread etc. needless to say, they are mostly gentrified now as Guernsey farmhouses fetch huge prices and are owned by doctors,in private practice and lawyers! Bet they don't burn gorse in them!