ragwort/fencing rules/law?

[shella]

Does anyone know the rules regarding ragwort and suitable fencing when you are a bhs registered livery yard?The one I use has heaps of ragwort and a chicken wire fence that my foal and many other horses have cut themselves on.I would like to know all the requirements of a yard to become bhs worthy.Thanks

 

[Thistle]

ragwort is a notifiable weed according to DEFRA

 

[Bosworth]

Good timing - I was just completing my BHS approval form so have the code of practice next to my laptop so here you are.......


the wording on the livery yard code of practice as followed by the BHS is as follows:

Grzing land

1) Grazing land must be maintained in a suitable condition for horses, restricted areas must be provided if required

2) Pasture and hedges must be regularly inspected for poisonous plants which must be removed if present.

6) All fences, gates and hedges must be well maintained, secure and safe.


The yard is subject to random visits from BHS appointed inspectors so your concerns should have been picked up. But if you want to you as a livery at the approved yard can call them up and express your concerns. they will have to act as it is approval given subject to BHS approval.

 

[Capriole]

do you HAVE to give your name etc when you report a field with ragwort?

my livery yard is pretty rank (the whole area seems to be rank with the stuff) and im spending hours and hours trying to keep it clear but no-one will help me and im getting increasingly annoyed...im even thinking of reporting the yard anonymously (so i dont get thrown off) so someone comes to visit and the YO and other liveries will realise it is a problem and it DOES matter...