Thistles taking over - help!

[BellaLasagne]

Has anyone got any clever ways or eradicating thistles which are taking over my paddock (due to over grazing). I'm currently digging them out by hand but after 4 hours have only managed about 20%.

I will probably end up spraying them but would rather not if I can help it.

Thanks

Invite Eeyore to stay?

We had a small rough paddock (just an acre) that had run to cow parsley, thistles & bramble etc. We had a series of bonfires on it (over a year) and as the grass came back, mowed it regularly. Two years on and it's nearly all grass and we let the ponies on it from time to time.

Instead of bonfires you could use one of those flame burners?

Thanks, have you tried a flame burner? I wouldn't want to buy one only to discover they don't work!

I haven't tried the flame burners I'm afraid. Could you hire one?

Phew what a relief, I thought someone had started a hate thread!!!

No, not at all, we love you really!!!

Because of your name, are you experienced in thistle management at all[hopeful emoticon]?

What about grazing a goat? I really can't think of anything else! Have you googled 'get rid of thistles'? Might be worth a try.

No offence, ScottishThistle

We already have sheep on it, which is one reason why the thistles have taken over, as it's been over-grazed by necessity.

I'll finally be able to move them soon so I'll be able to get in there and tackle the problem. I'm still thinking chemical warfare might be the only solution, as much as I don't want to go down that route.

I have thought about getting a goat, but a) think it might not get on with my woolly friends and b) think it might easily escape, as they're prone to do.