There are many similarities between this process and the cutting of litter insofar as they are both a form of hay. However, because of the different plant communities that occur alongside the droves, this cutting takes place during the autumn and on an annual basis.

The typical Wicken drove is 10 - 15 m wide and usually straight. Many of the droves have an historical importance with at least one dating back to before the earliest recorded history in the 15th century. Other droves are more recent, being created during the late 19th and early 20th century. In addition to their ecological importance, droves have an important role as access routes.

The centre of the drove is kept fairly short and mowed at regular intervals, providing the ground is dry enough. The remaining margins, at least 5m wide on either side, are cut once the summer programme is completed at the end of September. It is important that this process commences promptly as any delays will force the abandonment of the programme as water levels rise during the early winter.

As mentioned above this process is basically the same as producing hay. The use of tractor mounted cutting, turning and clearing equipment means all droves can be managed during the prescribed period. Once the vegetation is cut it is dried, during which time it is turned at least once.