Killer weed targeted in Warwickshire
Teams are out in Warwickshire targeting the weed ragwort, which can be a killer to grazing animals, with horses particularly at risk.
And early indications on the control of ragwort are showing positive outcomes for Warwickshire County Council.
Ragwort is a dangerous species of weed that can be very difficult to control. It can be poisonous if eaten by grazing animals and particularly horses. Grazing animals will not normally graze or eat ragwort when the plant is growing, the risk is when cut and within forage.
The previous method of control was to hand pull at areas of concern.
Last year a number of trial sites on county highway verges were sprayed with pesticides to control ragwort and this was found to be a success.
During April this year all problem sites across Warwickshire on highway verges under the control of the Warwickshire County Council were targeted with pesticides, using a specialist contractor, to spot treat the ragwort rosettes.
Over the past few weeks the 177 hotspot sites have been monitored by the County Highways Area Teams who have reported great reductions in the ragwort growth and infestations, indicating the new strategic approach to ragwort control is working.
It is anticipated that very limited pulling and disposal of ragwort will be necessary this year to protect grazing animals.
Bryn Patefield, County Highways Manager, said “We will continue to monitor ragwort growing on the highway verges and monitor all known high, medium and low risk sites.
“We shall undertake an annual review in August. We ask that adjacent landowners help us with planned control of ragwort growing on their land.”
County Councillor Martin Heatley, Environment Portfolio Holder for Warwickshire County Council, said: “As a local farmer I am pleased to see Warwickshire County Council is making positive progress on dealing with ragwort. The work is being developed with specialists following full risk assessments being carried out.”