SO Defra have issued further guidelines on the control of ragwort.
I haven't read them yet, as the NFU have not got them, neither have Defra in Worcester, so I don't know what it says: I do know it is four months late. I wouldn't mind betting however, that there is no obligation pointed at county councils who are the main culprits in the control of this weed. Let us not be complacent: The effect of ragwort on the animals lives is deadly over a period of time, and it is all over the country, not just round here. It is the landowner who will be severely penalised financially without any redress on those who fail to control the spread.
Set aside land has encouraged it and now we are ordered to leave a wide strip round every arable field for conservation purposes, where ragwort will grow unmolested.
The tendrils can grow up to 2ft underground.
If the plant is pulled it will stop it seeding, however unfortunately any bit of tendril breaking off underground will produce a more lush -plant which animals find more edible. I hope this letter conveys our concern.
TONY BOMFORD, Moyfield Riding School, South Littleton.
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