Ragwort Pulling Parties

The first Ragwort Awareness Week of 2008 runs from 14 to 20 April 2008 and the British Horse Society Welfare Department is looking for volunteers to organise Ragwort Pulling Parties.

To help with the removal of the deadly weed, Ragfork have donated 50 ragforks to be delivered free of charge to those wishing to take part in the BHS Ragwort Pulling Parties.

As well as advice, publicity materials and advisory literature, the BHS Welfare Department can also provide DEFRA codes of practice regarding preventing the spread of ragwort and how to dispose of it.

Lee Hackett, BHS Welfare Senior Executive, said: 'Every year the BHS receive hundreds of calls and emails from concerned horse owners requiring advice on how to control Ragwort. This is an important time of year to control Ragwort, while it is still at the rosette stage in order to help prevent the weed spreading further.”

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.

For more information and advice on Ragwort or to request a Ragfork for your event, please contact: Rachel Molloy, BHS Executive Welfare, The British Horse Society, 01926 707807 or r.molloy@bhs.org.uk

03/04/2008 14:18:46