Ragwort: More prevalent this year than usual?
Ragwort is a species native to Britain and is specified under
The Weeds Act (1959) due to the fact that it contains toxins which cause severe liver damage with fatal consequences to livestock such as horses and other grazing animals.
Every year the British Horse Society reports a significant number of horses dying from eating the plant.
The most effective way to remove ragwort is chemical treatment; however it can be removed by hand either by pulling (with appropriate PPE) or cutting. Under the Weeds Act 1959, the occupier of the land may be served an enforcement notice requiring them to take action to prevent the spread of injurious weeds such as Ragwort.
In the last few years there appears to be a more pro-active approach from the Environment Agency with regards issuing enforcement notices. In most instances a simple verbal warning has been issued with little chance of a follow up – however this season we have taken several phone calls from landowners who have been served notice to … ‘remove, manage and contain the ragwort infestation on your land this season or steps will be taken to carry out the works on your behalf and charged to the landowner’.
Please note for advice on the active management of Ragwort please ring Japanese Knotweed Solutions on 0161 723 2000.
Dr E Morley
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