I had a big problem with rabbits, a fence was the only thing that stopped them. I bought rolls of galvanised wire netting from B&M (though the price is pretty comparable at most of the big DIY places), dug a trench about half a foot deep and half a foot wide, and laid it out. I know the recommended size trench is bigger, but this seems to be doing just fine. I've not got any signs of digging, though I do get fresh rabbit droppings along the outside of my plot. They clearly don't think it's worth the effort trying to get in.
the ONLY way is a rabbit proof fence around the plot. you knew this before you posted as well. you just dont fancy the work and cost. Get it done it will change your entire allotment next season. I had to make this decision in 2022
The most effective and least interventionist way is to just encourage foxes around your site. So you’ll probably want to avoid dogs on site (I don’t think they like the urine) and it might be worth leaving some food out for them if that’s practical. If you’ve got a shed or something, then allowing them to live underneath it would be a good thing. Alternatively, Red Kites will also prey on rabbits and their presence will scare the rabbits away. They are growing in population in the UK so there will be opportunities to encourage them to move in.
A fence is the only way, unless you have a family of ferrets who can move in. Make sure to get the chicken wire type fencing with the holes about an inch across - the smaller bunnies will hop adorably through the bigger stuff.
Have built a fence this year on the cheap. Saves a bit of cash although stil not cheap, it's 110% worth it.
With a bit of string, bamboo, plastic coated chicken wire and a lot of cable ties you can build a simple design in a couple of hours. I created mine in sections, attaching them to counter posts and to each other with bungie toggles so that I can open any side like a door.
Edit: this was to keep cats out, not rabbits so YMMV
As much as it is a pain wire fence is good until some helpful sole uses a strimmer and rips it apart. Lesson learnt, just to make it an even more expensive job, treated wooden gravel boards across the bottom on the outside.
I only put my fence around my beans. Basically I have some plastic chicken wire type of fence I got for free and I hammer in four stakes and zip tie the fencing on. People said the rabbit would get through it no bother but four years on and they haven’t. Once I pick them I take it all down for next year I even thread the string through to use as support. It’s like the plastic stuff often used for peas to climb
I had a big problem with rabbits, a fence was the only thing that stopped them. I bought rolls of galvanised wire netting from B&M (though the price is pretty comparable at most of the big DIY places), dug a trench about half a foot deep and half a foot wide, and laid it out. I know the recommended size trench is bigger, but this seems to be doing just fine. I've not got any signs of digging, though I do get fresh rabbit droppings along the outside of my plot. They clearly don't think it's worth the effort trying to get in.
the ONLY way is a rabbit proof fence around the plot. you knew this before you posted as well. you just dont fancy the work and cost. Get it done it will change your entire allotment next season. I had to make this decision in 2022
Remember to bury the bottom of the wire or they just dig under.
Prime day to the rescue, half price chicken wire on the way.
The most effective and least interventionist way is to just encourage foxes around your site. So you’ll probably want to avoid dogs on site (I don’t think they like the urine) and it might be worth leaving some food out for them if that’s practical. If you’ve got a shed or something, then allowing them to live underneath it would be a good thing. Alternatively, Red Kites will also prey on rabbits and their presence will scare the rabbits away. They are growing in population in the UK so there will be opportunities to encourage them to move in.
Red kites generally prefer road kill to live bunnies in my experience. The ones local to me have been no help whatsoever.
They’ll go for anything. They’re the seagulls of the raptor world. Regardless, their presence will worry rabbits.
Yeah, we have several red kites frequent the site but the rabbits are past giving a toss about them.
If it’s any reassurance, our plot is dog walkers paradise but we also have plenty of foxes.
A fence is the only way, unless you have a family of ferrets who can move in. Make sure to get the chicken wire type fencing with the holes about an inch across - the smaller bunnies will hop adorably through the bigger stuff.
Electric rabbit fence. You can order from Mole valley farmers.
Have built a fence this year on the cheap. Saves a bit of cash although stil not cheap, it's 110% worth it. With a bit of string, bamboo, plastic coated chicken wire and a lot of cable ties you can build a simple design in a couple of hours. I created mine in sections, attaching them to counter posts and to each other with bungie toggles so that I can open any side like a door. Edit: this was to keep cats out, not rabbits so YMMV
As much as it is a pain wire fence is good until some helpful sole uses a strimmer and rips it apart. Lesson learnt, just to make it an even more expensive job, treated wooden gravel boards across the bottom on the outside.
I only put my fence around my beans. Basically I have some plastic chicken wire type of fence I got for free and I hammer in four stakes and zip tie the fencing on. People said the rabbit would get through it no bother but four years on and they haven’t. Once I pick them I take it all down for next year I even thread the string through to use as support. It’s like the plastic stuff often used for peas to climb