Farmers and land managers are being reminded of their responsibilities when it comes to common ragwort – a toxic weed that is potentially fatal for livestock.
The yellow plant grows commonly on farmland, waste ground and at the edges of footpaths and pavements and is spread when seeds are carried by the wind.
It is particularly visible at this time of year although there are a number of ‘look-alike’ plants it is sometimes confused with. Left unchecked, the problems can get worse as the plant set seed.
Defra’s Code of Practice on How to Prevent the Spread of Ragwort was introduced in 2003 to promote good practice and good neighbourliness and clearly states that ‘it does not attempt to eradicate ragwort, but simply to control it where it is potentially injurious’.
NFU countryside adviser Dr Andrea Graham said: “There are several specified weeds under the Weeds Act 1959 that are considered injurious including spear thistle, creeping or field thistle, curled dock and broad-leaved dock. However, Common Ragwort is the only one which poses a real risk to animal health because it can have potentially fatal consequences if ingested either in its green or dried state by horses and livestock.
“Livestock owners are responsible for the welfare of their animals and should be vigilant so that their stock isn’t exposed to the risk of ragwort poisoning. Grazing land should be regularly inspected for ragwort when animals are present and it should be pulled, removed and disposed of responsibly when discovered.
“It’s important to stress that it’s a case of taking appropriate action in the right place and at the right time. Farmers should not try to eradicate it but simply control it where it poses a risk of spread to neighbouring land used for grazing or conserved forage production. Failure to comply with the Code of Practice is not an offence, but non-compliance may be used as evidence in any legal action and leave them open to enforcement action and possible prosecution under the Weeds Act.”
- The Defra leaflet, Identification of Injurious Weeds, can be found here.
- A copy of the Code of Practice can be found here.
- A copy of the disposal guidance can be found here.
- Stephen Robinson - 15/08/2011
I note with interest the responsibility of land owners re the control of ragwort.
Please can some SERIOUS pressure be put on the Highways Agency to control the ragwort problem on the sides of the motorway.
I have tryed for years to get them to realise their responsiblity but with little avail.
Im sure they are aware of the codes of practice etc etc.
But a serious coordinated effort through out the country needs puttng into place.
- Owen Davies (BASP) - 14/08/2011
We are getting a benefit from the current casual attitude to ragwort. Seed producers produce clean hay and it is being sought after. Where there is a problem, only by attempting eradication will the numbers of ragwort be reduced to a manageable level.
- Mrs Buchanan - 12/08/2011
Could county councils and the police use ragwort pulling as a community service?