What To Do This Month In Your Paddocks

Native trees and hedges form important landscape components
and benefit wildlife, grazing equines and the environment

 • Harrow and roll pasture again if necessary, providing the    ground conditions are right.

 • Check water pipes are adequately protected from frost.

 • Be aware of the ‘autumn flush’ of grass growth, presenting    another risk-period for laminitis.

 • Do you protect and maintain native tree and hedges?  Plant    trees between October and March but avoid days when the    ground is frozen or waterlogged.  Select native species of    British provenance (e.g. hawthorn, blackthorn, etc), which    are suited to your particular soil type and will support local    wildlife.  Avoid non-native (e.g. laurel and conifer).  Protective    fencing around trees and hedges will prevent horses damaging    trees and possibly even themselves.  Fencing may also need    to exclude deer and rabbits as they can damage trees, especially    when newly planted.  Never use trees instead of fence posts -   this could harm the tree and as it grows, so will the fence!    Hedges can be managed by trimming, coppicing or laying.

Surrey Horse Pasture Project • www.surreycc.gov.uk/horsepastureproject • Tel:  01372 741783
Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty • www.kentdowns.org.uk • Tel:  01303 815170

Photo:  Kent Downs AONB
Text:  Kent Downs AONB & Surrey Horse Pasture Project

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