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Problem:
Spear thistle and Marsh thistle on 120 acres of permanent
pasture. Instructions required Marsh thistles to be retained.
Density:
Light in the middle of the field, and heaviest alongside
walls, and in patches along Northern boundary (which was
not noticed until the end of the last day).
Action
taken: a workforce of 4 strip-walked the whole 120
acres, using marker canes. They selectively removed all
Spear thistle. 14 hrs work. They camped near bye.
Cost:
£500 (£4 per acre)
Assessment:
A good example of RIP being the selective answer. The
job was completed despite high winds. Unfortunately, there
was little guidance on the profusion of Marsh thistle,
because the warden was away. Preventative action was needed
to stop more seed blowing in from plants just outside
the field boundary. This was recommended & would have
taken less than 1 man day.
