Oxford News
Alan Titchmarsh shares simple tips for getting rid of rats
That said, thankfully, gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh has shared simple advice to discourage the rodents from making themselves at home outdoors.
This time of year is ideal for rats, as it’s peak breeding season and they’re actively seeking food and shelter – both of which many gardens unintentionally provide.
However, there is an easy way to make your plot less appealing.
Alan suggests keeping the lawn closely mown so rats have fewer places to hide, reducing the chances of them settling in.
Alan Titchmarsh’s tips for getting rid of rats:
He said in a video of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine: “Rats are furtive. They like cover and shelter.
“They do not like close-mown grass where they can be seen. They much prefer it longer.”
The simple change of staying on top of cutting your grass can make a huge difference in stopping rats from coming into your garden.
Alan added, “If you have got long grass everywhere, that gives them access.
“Cut it short, have a stripe or two if you want, and that way you can see, no rats.”
Alan said: “Most gardeners, myself included, love encouraging garden birds, so bird feeders are everywhere in this garden. But, they can also be a magnet for rats.”
If you have a compost heap, that can also be a huge draw for rats.
Alan’s own compost heap is made from solid wood with steel sheeting lining the inside.
He said, “Hopefully that goes right down to the ground.
“They can burrow underneath it, but I am really reducing their ability to get in with ease. That’s a start, make the heap with good, strong sides.”
Alan explained you need to be careful about what goes into the compost heap.
He said: “Don’t put processed food, anything you have cooked, any meat, any potatoes.
“Don’t do that because it’s just an absolute open invitation for rats.”
Instead, Alan suggests putting in mouldy apples as they rot down quickly and any green clippings from the garden.”
Do you find rats troublesome? Let us know in the comments
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chipping Norton fire station said it’s been a ‘busy six days’ with five different call out for the crew.
One of those call outs was to a barn fire near the village, where the contents of the wooden structure, possibly hay or silage, ablaze.
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Images released from the scene show firefighters tackling the large-scale fire with hoses, as smoke poured from the high flames.
A spokesperson for Chipping Norton Fire Station said: “Busy six days for the Chippy crew!
“We’ve had five call outs, including a chimney fire, barn fire, and assisting our colleagues in the ambulance service.
“A cracking school visit to Great Tew Primary School yesterday – thanks for having us! And a busy drill night tonight putting up ladders and practicing applying water to a fire compartment.
“A very productive few days.”
Residents in the Woodstock area are being urged to stay vigilant following reports of ‘Nottingham Knockers’ operating in the area.
The term is used to describe groups, often young males, who go door-to-door selling low-cost household items such as cleaning products, cloths and dusters.
While the activity is not always illegal, it has been linked to distraction burglaries, rogue trading and individuals scouting properties for future crime.
READ MORE: Teen delivery driver who died in A34 crash remembered
Community members are being advised not to engage and to avoid allowing unknown callers into their homes.
There are also concerns for more vulnerable residents, particularly elderly people, who may be more susceptible to this type of approach.
Anyone who notices suspicious activity is urged to report it to police by calling 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.
Runners taking part this Saturday and Sunday, or those supporting friends and family, can simply show their race number, badge, certificate or any other 2026 official race identification when boarding to qualify for complimentary return travel from Oxford.
Oxford Tube operates up to every 12 minutes, 24 hours a day, ensuring frequent and reliable services throughout the marathon weekend.
READ MORE: Search for third man ‘who ran away’ as police update on ‘frightening stabbing’
Runners can also be sure of a comfortable journey as all Oxford Tube coaches have free Wi-Fi, USB power sockets, individual tables and footrests, perfect for a relaxed journey to the Capital and a much-deserved restful return.
Chris Hanson, managing director of Stagecoach West and Oxford Tube, said: “Supporting the London Marathon is something we’re incredibly proud to do year after year.
“It’s a truly inspirational event, and we know how much dedication goes into every mile.
“By offering free return travel, we want to make the journey as simple and comfortable as possible so runners can focus on their achievement and enjoy a relaxed trip home afterwards.”
For the most direct route on race day, passengers are encouraged to use the new Acton Main Line stop and connect via the Elizabeth Line towards Canary Wharf, then continue on the Docklands Light Railway to Greenwich for the start area. Return journeys can be made via London Victoria following the race.
Runners are advised to allow extra time for travel to reach their designated start areas and to check the Transport for London (TfL) website before travelling.
The Oxford Tube said: “We wish all participants the very best of luck and a fantastic marathon day.”
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