A BIRD of prey is being employed by Oake Manor Golf Club to help control rabbits on the course.

Although the club does not have a serious rabbit problem, they do have to keep them under control to stop them going into bunkers.

At the moment, they use similar methods to other golf clubs for controlling rabbits, such as hiring someone to come in and shoot them and using a substance with a pungent smell to deter rabbits from the course.

Andrew Bowey, course manager, said: "We have a member of staff who is into falconry and is trying to train up a young bird at the moment. She came and asked if we would mind her bringing it in to catch rabbits to help with its training."