[sheep lady]

We have just purchased 4 acres of grazing land and hope to graze some sheep from Spring.  However, we're keen to get the land in the best possible shape before then - grateful to know the most effective way to eradicate/significantly reduce the number of soft rushes and tall brown stick like weeds (picture attached, sorry don't know what these are).  Many thanks.

[clydesdaleclopper]

The tall stuff is probably the flowering stalks from dock.

[Buttermilk]

Feet treading over small rushes is as good as anything at giving them a headache.

[Calvadnack]

I can recommend a flock of Shetland sheep for the docks, my girls cleared one of my fields in one season and I've never had a problem since.  The rushes are only eaten a bit and soon come back, but I'm lucky and don't have much of a problem.  You might be able to rent out if you've got good fencing in place.

[shoveller]

the most effective and rapid solution is to get it sprayed with doxstar or headland staff 500
ask at your nearest farming neighbours for the contact details of the local spraying contractor
hopefully, your field gate is a decent width to get the machine in

[goosepimple]

Hi Sharonmcb, you can get info online I expect but also sheep breed societies might have grazing management info which may help get your lot in tip top condition and let you know the good and bad solutions you can use on it with livestock in mind.  A local sheep farmer may be able to help too.

4 acres.  Nice.

[devonlady]

If you keep a few docks and let them seed the goldfinches will love them. I had a flock of over a hundred last year feeding on seeding docks and thistles, a lovely sight!