Rabbits, thanks mostly to childhood stories, are usually accepted as cuddly animals with not a single malicious thought in their head, and indeed are usually portrayed as the hero. This image is fine for the general public & children alike, but for the professional groundkeeper or farmer (or even serious gardeners) they take on a far more sinister persona, very much akin to Jekyll and Hyde.

They cause havoc around the countryside, running rampant through young crops, excavating lovingly tended green landscapes and indeed producing hoof sized pot holes in an equestrian environment, the consequences of which can be devastating for the animal and owner alike.

Rabbits are causing economic (Agricultural) losses estimated to be in excess of £100 million annually. The total winter population is currently estimated to be at 35-40% of the pre-myxomatosis level and is increasing by about 2% annually.

It is estimated that farmers are losing about £50 million per annum as a consequence of rabbit damage to cereals. Winter wheat, barley and oats appear to be most vulnerable. Rye and Triticale suffer smaller losses and spring barley appears to be the least susceptible to rabbit damage.

Source: Rural Development Service Technical Advice Note 01 October 2004

“An Order has been made under Section One of the Pests Act 1954 by which England and Wales (except for the City of London, the Isles of Scilly and Skokholm Island) have been declared a Rabbit Clearance Area. In this area, every occupier of land is responsible for destroying wild rabbits on his/her land or for taking steps to prevent them causing damage. This is a continuing obligation”. (Ref DEFRA)

For further information on rabbit control laws and other non-native pest species check the DEFRA web site.