Pulling Parties organised for Ragwort Awareness Week

The British Horse Society (BHS) is calling for volunteers to organise ragwort-pulling parties during its Ragwort Awareness Week (17 – 23 September).

The team that pulls the most of the deadly yellow weed from grazing land will win £150 of Robinsons Country Leisure vouchers. Second prize will be £100 worth of vouchers and third prize £50 worth.

BHS welfare senior executive Lee Hackett said it had been a particularly bad year for the weed.

“Each ragwort plant will produce thousands of seeds that are easily dispersed by the wind so it’s not too late to get involved and help keep the amount of ragwort down for next year,” he said.

He advised pullers to wear thick gloves and to protect their skin from contact with the weed. Parties can also make use of free Ragforks to make the task easier.

To enter the competition email a brief report of your ragwort pulling party — with before, after and team photographs — to l.hackett@bhs.org.uk before 15 October.

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