Utilising the Buffer Strip

[Rolfe 2]

I have just been able to put a few wires out today on some well used rabbit runs that come from the other side of the dyke and out on to the feeding ground. Fortunately for me......the rabbits have to cross the 4 metre wide "Buffer Strip" that is now common place around most arable fields, and these are excellent snaring places as the runs are so distinct.

In one of the pictures you can see where the rabbits run down the far bank of the dyke and jump across the water and then cross the buffer strip where the wires are waiting to intercept them. So...... if you have any of these buffer strips near you..... they are certainly well worth a look at as potential snaring areas.

[ianrob 2]

I have just been able to put a few wires out today on some well used rabbit runs that come from the other side of the dyke and out on to the feeding ground. Fortunately for me......the rabbits have to cross the 4 metre wide "Buffer Strip" that is now common place around most arable fields, and these are excellent snaring places as the runs are so distinct.

In one of the pictures you can see where the rabbits run down the far bank of the dyke and jump across the water and then cross the buffer strip where the wires are waiting to intercept them. So...... if you have any of these buffer strips near you..... they are certainly well worth a look at as potential snaring areas.

 

 

Nicely set wires Rolfe.

[woodga 170]

rolfe just a little pointer you look as if you have set that last snare a little to far over the run this can result in a knocked snare you are correct about the borders around fiels being a good place to set wires

[Rolfe 2]

rolfe just a little pointer you look as if you have set that last snare a little to far over the run this can result in a knocked snare you are correct about the borders around fiels being a good place to set wires

 

Its the angle the picture was taken You don't think i would dare put up a picture of a wrong setting on here Glenn would have my guts for garters :laugh: :laugh:

[snareman 3]

I have just been able to put a few wires out today on some well used rabbit runs that come from the other side of the dyke and out on to the feeding ground. Fortunately for me......the rabbits have to cross the 4 metre wide "Buffer Strip" that is now common place around most arable fields, and these are excellent snaring places as the runs are so distinct.

In one of the pictures you can see where the rabbits run down the far bank of the dyke and jump across the water and then cross the buffer strip where the wires are waiting to intercept them. So...... if you have any of these buffer strips near you..... they are certainly well worth a look at as potential snaring areas.

rolfe why do you do this to me , you, woodga, and teejay, i would die for a good setting on runs like those around those borders , they are deadly for snaring rabbits up quickly , you lucky b#gger.

[snareman 3]

rolfe just a little pointer you look as if you have set that last snare a little to far over the run this can result in a knocked snare you are correct about the borders around fiels being a good place to set wires

colin, if rolfe has set the wire looking outwards the way that the rabbits are travelling , you will get an accurate setting but he has taken the picture looking from the front of the snare so it can at times look like that as if its a bit overlying, although its set properly.

[Rolfe 2]

rolfe just a little pointer you look as if you have set that last snare a little to far over the run this can result in a knocked snare you are correct about the borders around fiels being a good place to set wires

colin, if rolfe has set the wire looking outwards the way that the rabbits are travelling , you will get an accurate setting but he has taken the picture looking from the front of the snare so it can at times look like that as if its a bit overlying, although its set properly.

 

Yes that's the way it is set Glenn......correct Also the run has a slight curve to it.....which again makes the setting appear overlying. These "Buffer Strips" although intended to improve the wildlife habitat are an absolute snaring paradise as the rabbits are forced to use the same pathways between the rough grasses......these grasses are perfect for making the rabbits jump quite high and far between the beats .....making them easy to read. The bleached grasses also help disguise the snare loops and tealers.......... making them virtually invisible.

[00taz11 39]

looks good rolfe

Edited January 19, 2009 by 00taz11

[IanB 0]

We call them headlands the margin around the field.

[Rolfe 2]

We call them headlands the margin around the field.

 

Yeah, they do here as well.......but they have now got several names.......depending what you are trying to encourage there are ladybird strips. bee strips etc......all have to be planted with different grasses to attract certain species...i will get a comprehensive list from the farm that spells them all out and get back to you

[IanB 0]

Didn't think they were for specific species, learn something new everyday

[Rolfe 2]

Didn't think they were for specific species, learn something new everyday

 

Yes apparently there are all manner of different set ups to attract wildlife and insects.......the farm has got a list as i say and i will be interested to see it myself.

[Rolfe 2]

Well according to the HGCA Leaflet on Field Margins i have interpreted the following (I think) There has to be a compulsory field margin 2mtr from the centre of the hedge line......or from the centre of the watercousre should there be a dyke. After that you can collect points for the Stewardship schemes depending on what else you do. You can make a Buffer Strip of anywhere between 2-6 mtrs wide and plant various grasses to encourage wildlife such as: farmland birds, game birds, bees, butterflies. beetles. spiders etc. Set-a-side strips....these can be 6-10 mtrs wide and these will attract the same species if planted with pollen and nectar flowers or wild bird seed. There is also a Conservation Headland......that is 6-24 mtr wide to encourage broad-leaved weeds and associated beneficial insects....which in turn attracts farmland birds like the grey partridge, corn bunting, and tree sparrow to name a few.

You can also create "Beetle Banks" in the centre of field to attract and to overwinter predatory beetles that spread into the crops early in the season.

 

More to these Headlands than first meets the eye........i was amazed at all the different options.

 

Rolfe.

[stealthy1 3,964]

Very informative, I'll have to take a closer look next time I'm out.

[Ratcherman 0]

Some nice runs there have you had any luck yet