Q) We have a small shoot and have managed to negotiate some land for gamecrops. What should we sow for next year? We are predominantly a pheasant shoot, but we also release a few hundred partridges. We have about five acres in three areas available for gamecover. J. HAYLE By email
A) Before you decide on what to sow for next year, you need to answer a few questions. What do you want from your crops? If you want them as drives, you want something with a flushing value. If you want them primarily to draw and hold birds, you need a crop with a food value.
You must also determine your soil type. Ours is heavy and kale never does well here. I dont wish to pass the buck, but I suggest that you contact one of the game seed companies and let it advise you on a package that will best suit your requirements and soil type.
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