Author Topic: weeds, rabbits and resting pasture (Read 3670 times)

Buffy the eggs layer · « **on:** June 19, 2010, 07:47:21 pm »

:wave:Hi there,

we have recently purchased a 7 acre SH in East Yorkshire and want to rest the pasture before putting sheep on it. Some of the pasture has been drill seeded and is sparse in places. I am in the process of removing the ragwort, docks and thistles and would appreciate advice on how to tackle the removal of a rabbit infestation and how best to fertilise/ seed the pasture.
$:-\$

Newby · « **Reply #1 on:** June 20, 2010, 08:02:27 pm »

Where abouts in East Yorkshire are you Buffy? I might be able to help with the rabbits.

egglady · « **Reply #2 on:** June 20, 2010, 09:22:34 pm »

hi, the sheep will eat the dock leaves - which in turn should kill off the docks...get the sheep in quick and save yourself some work!

Buffy the eggs layer · « **Reply #3 on:** June 20, 2010, 10:33:00 pm »

Thanks for the offer of help with the rabbit pests.

I was thinking of getting an air rifle to shoot them over a period of time, would this be an effective approach as we appear to have 3 or more warrens on the land and looking at the burrows all seem well established. Would it be beneficial to get a profesional pest remover in first to reduce the population before following on with shooting.

Can you offer any advise on the type of air rifle to purchase, type of pellet and perhapd more importantly which to avoid.

Cheers

Norfolk Newby · « **Reply #4 on:** June 22, 2010, 11:20:01 am »

I have a similar problem and bought an air rifle thinking of all those rabbit stews I could have. I've never managed to get near enough to get one!

Considering that the rifle and telescopic sight cost about £500, it's not been a good purchase.

I think I need to spend more time late evening or early morning to have any success.

My neighbour seems to have more luck using a shotgun but they make a mess of the meat; smashed bones and pellets.

NN