[mrs bouquet]

….. I realise that problems are still there:-

1)  How do I stop the birds pecking and throwing the grass seed and top soil around.  There are too many to net. ?
2)  As the lawn is growing (even better now I am watering the seedy patches 2 x daily).   How can I mow ?

You can tell this has never really been my department in the scheme of gardening    Mrs Bouquet

[grinling]

I am clapping at the pigeons but have bird feeders up as well. I have a new seeded area which has sprung, but still have several weeks before I can cut and hand pluck weeds. Lawn mower will need a sharp blade. If cutting old grass around new areas, it should not matter if you accidently go over a bit of new ground

[mrs bouquet]

I sowed this about 6 days ago maybe less, and cannot see anything except the existing lawn.   We are overrun with wood pigeon, but I think it is the blackbirds.  Now I don't begrudge them their fun but …..   
I shall just keep watering it and try not to tread on new bits at the same time, and keep fingers crossed.  Thanks for your reply, Mrs Bouquet