I read with interest, and some dismay, the recent article in the Cambridge Evening News regarding rabbits causing issues at Hinchingbrooke Country Park.

The full article can be read here

There is no doubt that once established, and allowed to breed, rabbits can cause both significant damage to crops and amenity, as well as  a nuisnace issue.  The issue here though appears to be the failure of the landowner where the problem exists to take action to control them. The rabbits have then been encoaching onto neighbouring properties.

There is legislation in place whereby the landwoner can be legally obliged to undertake work to control rabbits.  A full and better description of the legal stance can be found on Natural England’s website- see here . It appears that the ‘legal’ aspect has somewhat changed and that NE will not be enforcing the legislation unless the issue is major.

I would say that the story is somewhat sensationalised by the newspaper; but then thats their job.

Following up on the story I have found out that the Council has at least considered all options i.e. rabbit proof fenciing, gassing, ferreting, long-netting, shooting etc.

I will be following this story with interest………….…………………