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January 14, 2026

Winter Rabbit Activity – How They Can be Damaging to Your Land

Although rabbits are active throughout the year, winter often brings an increase in visible rabbit activity, particularly across agricultural land, commercial grounds, embankments and landscaped areas.

For businesses and landowners, rabbit activity can pose serious risks to ground stability, safety and long-term land condition if not identified early.

Why Rabbit Activity Increases in Winter

Winter conditions place additional pressure on rabbit populations, leading to increased surface activity. Key reasons include:

  • Reduced natural food sources, forcing wider foraging
  • Shorter vegetation, making burrow entrances more exposed
  • Softer ground, allowing easier digging and warren expansion
  • Reduced land disturbance from machinery or footfall

Rabbits are particularly attracted to lawns, field margins, solar farms, business parks and landscaped commercial grounds.

Signs of Rabbit Activity on Commercial and Agricultural Land

Common warning signs include:

  • New or expanding burrows and warrens
  • Grazing damage to crops, grass and planting
  • Uneven or collapsing ground, creating safety hazards
  • Soil spoil heaps near burrow entrances
  • Damage to fencing, boundaries and embankments

These signs often appear gradually but can escalate quickly if ignored.

Risks of Unmanaged Rabbit Activity

Unchecked rabbit activity can lead to:

  • Ground instability affecting vehicles, machinery and pedestrians
  • Damage to embankments, flood defences and landscaping
  • Increased maintenance and repair costs
  • Loss of crops or deterioration of green spaces
  • Health and safety liabilities for site operators

Winter damage is often only fully realised in spring, once vegetation regrows and ground conditions worsen.

Why Early Winter Monitoring Matters

Addressing rabbit activity during winter helps prevent:

  • Large-scale warren expansion
  • Long-term land degradation
  • Costly remedial works later in the year

Early intervention supports sustainable land management and protects both infrastructure and operational safety.

Key Areas to Monitor During Winter

  • Field margins and boundary lines
  • Sloped land and embankments
  • Landscaped commercial grounds
  • Previously affected areas

Regular checks during winter allow issues to be identified before they become entrenched.

Contact Us

If you’re facing issues with rabbits on your property, acting early is essential to prevent future problems. Our team have the expertise to provide effective rabbit control services while ensuring full compliance with UK laws.

For immediate assistance or to arrange a visit, call us on 0344 335 0330. With Vergo Pest Management, professional pest control is always nearby.

 

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Get all of your UK pest control updates here at The Buzz!

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