[woodburner]

I've marked out the area that will be enclosed by rabbit netting, and am wondering is it safe to grow blackcurrants and rasberries outside? Or should they go in the safe area too?
The only things I can find that are definitely safe from the b*n***s are potatoes and artichokes. I have rather more space outside the area than I want to devote to potatoes and artichokes though!

Also does anyone know if they will strip willow shoots?

[Stripey_cat]

They'll strip anything if they're hungry enough!  That said, bark does tend to be a food of last resort - I've only seen bark-stripping locally in the deep snow we had last month, and not in the previous 7 winters.  Raspberries (if they're thorny types) will probably be the last to go, and autumn-fruiting types won't matter anyway!

If all else fails, get a terrier!

[Beejay]

I think you should have your raspberries under netting within your rabbit fencing!

[woodburner]

Thanks both. I was afraid of that  

Although Stipey cat's comment about autumn fruiting ones, has made me think a bit more.
I read somewhere that if you accidentally cut down normal raspberries it doesn't really matter, they will just be late fruiting, and in fact it's a way of spreading the season, so I think I will take a chance and stick them outside after all.

That in turn reminds me that I've also read that one way of cultivating blackcurrants is to cut every third bush right back on a three year cycle. But as they are like ordinary shrubs in their growing habit and traditional wisdom says not to cut out more than a third in one year, I am less inclined to take the risk so they will be going in the safe zone. 

Sorted!  Thanks again.

[Swing Swang]

Woodburner

In the past I've found that three year cuttting of blackcurrents works a treat, only problem is that you really need a minimum of half a dozen bushes otherwise cropping is a bit variable.

SS

[Aunt Sally]

Yes, cutting blackcurrants right back every 3 years is a good idea !

[woodburner]

Ooh interesting. I might try that then as I will have 6 bushes at the lottie and 4 total at home. I don't think I trust rabbits to choose the right ones to chomp on though, so I will still put them inside the fence.