Why Protecting Crops from Rabbits in July Is Crucial in the South West
In the rolling farmlands of the South West—Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset—July marks a key time in the agricultural calendar. Crops are maturing, the sun is high, and for farmers, it's a month of both growth and risk. One often underestimated threat? Rabbits.
As summer reaches its peak, rabbit populations also swell—making July a critical month for crop protection.
Why Rabbit Numbers Spike in July
By July, most rabbit breeding cycles are in full swing. One pair of rabbits can produce dozens of offspring over a single season, and by midsummer, many of these young rabbits are actively foraging. Combined with dry weather reducing wild food availability, crops become prime targets.
South West counties are especially vulnerable due to their abundance of rural fields, pasturelands, and hedgerows that provide perfect shelter and access to food.
How Rabbits Damage Crops
Rabbits don’t just nibble; they devour entire sections of crops, often targeting:
Cereals (wheat, barley, oats) – Seedlings and young stalks are eaten before full maturity.
Vegetables (lettuce, carrots, brassicas) – Leaves and root systems are destroyed.
Newly planted grass leys or hay fields – Essential fodder for livestock is compromised.
Vineyards and fruit bushes – Bark and low branches can be stripped.
This damage can lead to:
Significant yield loss
Soil erosion from overgrazed patches
Uneven crop maturity
Reduced financial returns at harvest
Why July Is the Time to Act
Many farmers wait until autumn or winter to address rabbit control, but by then, much of the damage is done. July is the turning point. With young rabbits feeding aggressively and breeding continuing, every week of inaction increases the population — and your losses.
Additionally, crops are still salvageable in July. Timely action can protect the remaining yield, safeguard the soil, and reduce the pressure for next year’s planting.
What You Can Do
If you notice telltale signs of rabbit presence — such as cropped vegetation, droppings, burrows, or gnawed stems— now is the time to seek help.
At Heritage Rabbit Management, we offer:
Site assessments tailored to your land
Humane population control using proven field methods
Preventative planning to reduce long-term risk
South West coverage and farm-specific solutions
Serving Devon and the Wider South West
Whether you run a large arable farm in East Devon or manage mixed livestock in the moors of Somerset, our team understands the landscape and the specific rabbit pressures it brings. We pride ourselves on prompt, discreet, and effective service.
Book a Consultation Today
Don’t wait until your harvest is at risk. Contact Heritage Rabbit Management to arrange a free consultation and discover how we can help protect your crops — before the rabbits take more than their share.