Report R050

Problem: Creeping thistle on permanently grazed pastures
Where: Appleton & Spaunton Commons
When: November 2004
Area: (300 acres ?)
Status: Organic / Countryside Stewardship
Detail: Arrange a demonstration & discussion for Yorkshire Water PLC, with game- keeper for Spaunton Estate, using close-to-ground setting of small flail mower for the control of creeping on the edge of unfenced moorland.

This land is almost permanently grazed by sheep.

Arranged this for Yorkshire Water officers, and a Logic machine from the Spaunton Estate was shown at work, using extreme close-to-the ground settings.

Earlier in the year (mid-July), this machine had been very effective at preventing re-growth. Trials in 2005 will be more extensive.

Weeding tools to remove injurous, harmful, noxious & invasive weeds without chemicals