Before you start, remember:
Refer to Identifying Ragwort
The BHS Welfare team has a network of Welfare Advisers.
The BHS will aim to resolve the concern by working with the horse owner/keeper or landowner in an advisory capacity. If you’re concerned about horses grazing in fields with ragwort, contact the team on:
02476 840517 or welfare@bhs.org.uk
The land is classified as medium risk.
A high risk is posed to animals grazing within 50 metres of where ragwort is growing, but it's more effective if ragwort is controlled up to 100 metres from any eligible land at risk to help prevent its spread. Discuss the risk with the landowners/occupiers. They should continue to monitor the situation and put controls in place if necessary.
The land is classified as low risk.
Consider making the landowners/occupiers aware if spread increases. It would be in their interests to take action as part of a contingency plan if necessary.
The land is classified as high risk!
Immediate action to remove the weed from this area and control its spread must be taken by the landowner.
The Scottish Government Guidance on How to Prevent the Spread of Ragwort (pdf) has full details of the actions that complainants should take.
When a potential problem is identified, the landowner/occupier should be contacted first. If the landowner/occupier fails to take any action to prevent the spread of ragwort or remove it where necessary, Scottish Government, Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID) can be contacted.
The SGRPID will take enforcement action under the Weeds Act 1959 where ragwort poses a high risk to horses/livestock or the production of conserved forage.
The relevant parish, town or community council are responsible.
Find your Local Authority’s details here.
Railways Network Rail is responsible. Contact: 03457 114141 networkrail.co.uk
Motorways / Trunk Roads Transport Scotland is responsible. Contact: 0141 2727100 transportscotland.gov.uk
But it’s still by a road
It's not by a road
Scottish Canals scottishcanals.co.uk
Ministry of Defence Land Contact the local base directly
Common Land Contact the local council or private landowner
Forestry Land Forest and Land Scotland will be responsible forestryandland.gov.scot
The relevant local Highway Authority is responsible.
Find your local authority’s details here.