Pigeons
Woodpigeons can be a serious problem in gardens and on allotments as they will eat almost anything.
Its preferences are young leaf growth, in particular young brassica plants and peas.
Although it is mainly vegetarian, it will occasionally take caterpillars, or other invertebrates.
The damage can be seen as lacerated leaves that have been ripped when the birds are feeding.
In severe attacks most of the foliage is lost, leaving only the leafstalks.
The results prevent brassicas and peas from growing, so no crop is produced.
Scaring devices or repellent substances give temporary protection, but the only certain way is to grow the crops under netting.
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