Ragwort is one of five injurious weeds covered by the Weeds Act of 1959. The Ragwort Control Act amended this and was adopted by the government on 20th November 2003 and came into action three months later on 20th February 2004. The new Act, which was sponsored by the British Horse Society makes new provisions for the safety and welfare of horses and other animals. The Act enabled the Secretary of State to form a Code of Practice to prevent the spread of Ragwort. This Code of Practise was launched at the Royal Show in July 2004.
For more comprehensive information on the rules and guidelines from a legal point of view, please visit the the Law page here- Ragwort Control Act.
Ragwort is for the most part a silent killer, who's devestating results only become evident when its all too late. Often referred to as an 'iceberg' diease, it's only when you see the first outward signs of the condition, does it become evident that the damage has been going on under the surface for what could have been a very long time.
There is a huge amount of information out there about ragwort and its consequences. We have tried very hard to gather together the truth and not just 'cut 'n' paste' lots of other peoples versions of it. Some of it you will have heard before, some you won't, and some of it will sound downright strange. There is also a links section which will take you to other places where you can double check and verify the information we provide. On that note, if you have any advice or information that you would like to share with our visitors please feel free to send it in either via email or just fill in the message box on the contact form here.
A Collection of Defra Documents
Here are links to Defra documents that you will find helpfull if you have a ragwort problem on your grazing.
If, after having read the Defra Code of Practice on how to Prevent the Spread of Ragwort, you have isolated a source of the Ragwort Problem; i.e. the Ragwort Seeds are coming onto your land from neighbouring property, you can lodge a complaint with Defra. Here is the link - To Make A Complaint About Ragwort Infestation.
Would it sound defeatist if I said- 'don't hold your breath'?
