Landowners and ragwort

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JulesDavies

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I seem to remember reading years ago that landowners who lease their land to owners of animals (who would be affected by ragwort) are responsible for getting rid of the ragwort on that leased land. However, I can't seem to find anything relating to that now. Councils can (and should) take action against landowners who don't control ragwort, but they do not. Does anyone know the legal rights of us who rent land for our horses and suffer with ragwort. My farmer just tops the field and makes the problem worse.
 
I think and only think I read it on defra's site years ago that landowners removing ragwort was enforcable only on land that is used by or adjacent to livestock that could be affected by it, but livestock doesn't include horses. Councils are lazy, look at the sides of motorways and main road verges, it is rife which ragwort as is council land round here where we walk the dogs, i is ragwort city!
They don't seem take the problem seriously enough to do anything about it.
I have seen farmers cutting grass for hay making with loads of ragwort in it, when it was pointed out to him it was contaminated by ragwort, he didn't know what ragwort was or how it affects certain animals and didn't care or stop hay making!
We are fighting a losing battle!
Oz
 
If you are using the land - renting it I would be inclined to get off my bum and dig out the ragwort myself...if only for my livestocks sake! Sorry to be blunt but sometimes one has to help oneself. By the way...I rent a paddock myself and do this type of maintenance work myself...before I get moaned at.
 
I have reported a piece down the road to us for 3 years on the trot as it is full of ragwort, DEFRA hven't even had the courtesey to reply.

If I was renting some I would either pull or spray to get rid of it and to stop it getting any worse.
 
Ditto Pottamus, I would be sorting it myself for the sake of my horses, by the time you have found out who is responsible it is seeding and multiplying.
Sorry to sound blunt
 
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If you are using the land - renting it I would be inclined to get off my bum and dig out the ragwort myself...if only for my livestocks sake! Sorry to be blunt but sometimes one has to help oneself. By the way...I rent a paddock myself and do this type of maintenance work myself...before I get moaned at.

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I agree.
 
It's not a case of not "getting off my bum" and pulling it myself - I have been doing that for 3 years now and am not entirely stupid. I just wondered if someone knew the legal position that was all. I have no intention of "reporting" the farmer who I lease the land from because I enjoy being there with my 3 horses. It would be nice to have had some "ammunition" when discussing it with the landowner that was all. Some people really!
 
[ QUOTE ]
It's not a case of not "getting off my bum" and pulling it myself - I have been doing that for 3 years now and am not entirely stupid. I just wondered if someone knew the legal position that was all. I have no intention of "reporting" the farmer who I lease the land from because I enjoy being there with my 3 horses. It would be nice to have had some "ammunition" when discussing it with the landowner that was all. Some people really!

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In your rental agreement, who is responsible for the maintenance of the land and fencing etc?

We own land and also rent land as well for our dairy stock. There is no difference in terms of how we manage the land that we own and rent. Effectively for the term of the rental agreement (ours is a "rolling rent" term) we treat the land the we are completely responsible for the upkeep of the land...not the actual landowner. This includes maintaining water supplies, fencing, weedkiller, topping and fertilising. Of course, we can only use the land per the terms of our agreement....so no ploughing grass pasture and planting maize for instance.

How much, if you don't mind me asking, do you pay for rent monthly? I ask because the cost might have a bearing on what type of rental agreement you may have. It's such a nominal amount (usually) compared to the value of land and it's simply not cost effective for the landowner to retain all responsibility for the land and any facilities on it whilst it's being rented out.
 
I have contracts with my liveries and it clearly states in there that they are responsible for pulling up weeds and ragwort.
 

Ultimately the owner of the land will always have an obligation to control ragwort.HOWEVER, this would occur after default on the part of the tennant.
In other words,if I rent land to you,,and dont stipulate that I will maintain the land.You are responsible to me for keeping my land free of noxious weeds.I however remain liable in law ,to see that you do.
 
Who is paying for it?

If you insist on your landlord doing ragwort control, then don't be surprised if you get a rent increase - somebody has to pay for it.
 
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