What To Do This Month In Your Paddocks
As a biennial, ragwort is visible as a rosette early in its 1st year, growing into a flowering plant during the following years summer
Ragwort alert! Act NOW to prevent poisoning and to stop plants setting seed in the summer. Identification during initial stages of growth allows early removal, which is easier, safer and more economical than later in the year. When possible, dig ragwort up but take safety precautions (e.g. wear gloves). Dried ragwort remains toxic and becomes more palatable to livestock. Refer to www.defra.gov.uk/rural/horses/topics/ragwort.htm for the Defra Code of Practice on how to prevent the spread of ragwort and Guidance on the disposal options for common ragwort.
Keep grass at a height of 5cm (2-3ins) throughout the growing season, to allow optimum growth and protect the ground from hoof damage.
Do you leave untouched margins around boundaries and adjacent to hedgerows? Margins enable grasses and wildflowers to reseed and provide a valuable habitat for wildlife ranging from birds and mammals to insects and amphibians. This is a cross compliance requirement if you are claiming Single Farm Payment.
Surrey Horse Pasture Project www.surreycc.gov.uk/horsepastureproject Tel: 01372 741783
Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty www.kentdowns.org.uk Tel: 01303 815170
Photo: Kent Downs AONB
Text: Kent Downs AONB & Surrey Horse Pasture Project
