Volunteers needed to help control the deadly yellow weed ragwort

The British Horse Society (BHS) is urging people to join forces to tackle ragwort during the first Ragwort Awareness Week of 2008.

Ragwort is a deadly weed for horses, causing liver damage that can be fatal.

The BHS’s first Ragwort Awareness Week of this year will run from 14-20 April.

BHS welfare executive Lee Hackett said: “Every year the BHS receives 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 is urging people to help prevent the spread of ragwort by calling for volunteers to organise ragwort pulling parties to remove the deadly yellow weed where it is growing on or near to grazing land.

Fifty Ragforks have been donated for pulling parties, and will be delivered free of charge to those wishing to take part.

The BHS advises that you wear thick, waterproof gloves when handling ragwort.

For more information and advice on ragwort or to request a Ragfork please contact Rachel Molloy, BHS Executive Welfare on 01926 707807 or r.molloy@bhs.org.uk

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