Paddock Weedkiller 101

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mellery

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I know this is a common topic but as a newbie I am struggling to get a simple view on the regulation (or otherwise) regarding use of weedkiller (e.g. Grazon) on my paddocks.

The basics;

- I am an "amateur", i.e. I am wanting to use weedkiller on my own land and NOT in any professional way or on other peoples land
- I will be using a 1metre boom sprayer mounted on the back of a ATV
- I am of a "mature" age.... I have seen mention of an age related clause in DEFRA regulation
- I plan to use readily available product such as Grazon or Pastor Pro

So my questions are;

- Do I need any form of formal training?
- Do I need a licence/permit from DEFRA?
- Do I need a licence/permit from DEFRA to store the weedkiller before use

Hope that makes sense. At the end of the day I guess no-one would ever know if I simply went ahead and did it but I would like to be informed and do the right thing!
 
You wont be able to get the chemical!!! Grandfather rights no longer apply!!!!

You need formal training from this year to be able to buy any chemicals of that type that training will then give you a certificate of competence which you will need to show to be able to obtain the product. No certificate no sale.

No licence required from Defra.

You will need PA1 and 2 google pesticide application
From next autumn your application equipment will have to be tested as well !
 
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So the real mystery is which regular forum member is hiding behind a new user name to post this question?? :-) PM me if you need anything more specific I can advise as have BASIS certification
 
You should have stocked up and got yourself a lunar cycle calendar. Then it is quite legal to spray under the full moon -- so long as they don't catch you! Should be safe enough at weekends and on public holidays! The courses cost hundreds but certification lasts for life. Or so I am told.;)
 
Dry Rot said:
You should have stocked up and got yourself a lunar cycle calendar. Then it is quite legal to spray under the full moon -- so long as they don't catch you! Should be safe enough at weekends and on public holidays! The courses cost hundreds but certification lasts for life. Or so I am told.;)
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LOL keep it well hidden because from NOV it was illegal to store said chemical without the correct paperwork. It is amateur use that has caused the tightening of the regs as residues have been increasing from such use
 
Dry Rot said:
You should have stocked up and got yourself a lunar cycle calendar. Then it is quite legal to spray under the full moon -- so long as they don't catch you! Should be safe enough at weekends and on public holidays! The courses cost hundreds but certification lasts for life. Or so I am told.;)
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I was lucky enough to just squeeze in to the 31 Dec deadline for buying (well stocked now :) ) and the merchant told me the deadline for using is 31 Dec 2016. Dry Rot do you know who enforces the ban?
 
I really am a newbie - this is my first ever post here! Genuine confusion as I have read so many apparently conflicting statements but it seems so be a bit clearer now even if it looks like my DIY plans are a non-starter!
 
So on a slightly different tack (no pun intended), is there a "non-professional" product that can be used without the training and is any use?
 
mellery said:
I really am a newbie - this is my first ever post here! Genuine confusion as I have read so many apparently conflicting statements but it seems so be a bit clearer now even if it looks like my DIY plans are a non-starter!
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Well its either that or take the test! They are not as expensive as DR makes out you need to shop around if you fit into the age group who had grandfather rights there are cheaper routes out there to get the correct tickets
https://www.nptc.org.uk/qualificationschemedetail.aspx?id=474
 
mellery said:
So on a slightly different tack (no pun intended), is there a "non-professional" product that can be used without the training and is any use?
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Straight answer no! Ragwort use biological control with Cinibar moth :-)

Get a contractor in to do it!
 
JillA said:
Those are for pesticides, is there an equivalent for herbicides, which is what we are discussing?
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Pesticide is the umbrella term for all crop protection chemicals under the regulations. Same rules for insecticides,herbicides and fungicides

You will soon notice new regulations for rodenticides as well that will require a certificate of competance to buy them.
 
popsdosh said:
LOL keep it well hidden because from NOV it was illegal to store said chemical without the correct paperwork. It is amateur use that has caused the tightening of the regs as residues have been increasing from such use
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Me? Would I break the law and store chemicals? Hush your mouth!:)
 
popsdosh said:
You will soon notice new regulations for rodenticides as well that will require a certificate of competance to buy them.
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I am probably being thick but surely this does not mean unqualified people wil not be able to buy rat and mouse poisen? and do you have any ideas of the timeline on it?
 
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