Support Ragwort Awareness Week!
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"This is a critical time to remove any remaining plants from equine paddocks and surrounding areas before they seed. Each plant can produce thousands of seeds thus potentially increasing the spread of this toxic weed."
The BHS are continuing to urge people to hold ragwort pulling parties. Mr Hackett went on to say: "Pulling by hand can be hard work, but flowering plants can be difficult to eradicate by chemical means.
"When removing plants at this time of year care must be taken to avoid dispersing seeds, as some flower heads will be starting to turn to seed. This is why it is preferable to control plants before they flower, or whilst at the rosette stage. If you have a Ragwort infestation, now is the time to plan your Ragwort control for 2009".
The BHS Welfare Department can provide pulling party organisers with advice and posters to advertise the event, as well as free advisory literature on the dangers of Ragwort.
The BHS advises that you always wear thick, waterproof gloves when handling Ragwort and to protect your skin from contact with the weed. It is also sensible to wear a facemask. Please ensure that you have permission from the owner of the land before embarking on any ragwort pulls.
Anyone holding a Ragwort Pulling Party is invited to send in a brief report about their event along with photos to the BHS by the 31 October. A selection of those received will be published in the British Horse Society's magazine, British Horse.
Related Articles:
World Horse Welfare Advice and Information on Ragwort
DEFRA - Code of Practice on how to prevent the spread of Ragwort
Added on: 30/08/08.
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