[noshed]

Put some pop bottles down with the bottoms cut off and get scouts and others to come and do the watering through the funnels. It will build their character no end.

[beeman]

If fires are allowed on your site you could try burning off the brambles that are there now. It won't stop them growing up again but will get rid of most of the existing stuff before putting down the old carpets.

[blackhobbescat]

Put some pop bottles down with the bottoms cut off and get scouts and others to come and do the watering through the funnels. It will build their character no end.

I'd ear-marked my boys for that.  Pick them up after school and a quick trip down the plot to do the watering!