Ragwort menace

Aug 14 2008 by Our Correspondent, North Wales Weekly News

MANY supporters have contacted us to voice their concerns about ragwort, which is blooming at the moment.

As every horse owner and farmer knows, ragwort contains toxins which can have fatal consequences if eaten by horses and other grazing animals.

Ragwort has its place in the countryside. It supports a wide variety of invertebrates and is a major nectar source for many insects, but it must be controlled, especially where there are livestock.

There is a growing concern that some public bodies which own land are not taking the problem seriously, but there is no excuse – a code of practice on how to stop the spread of ragwort is available from DEFRA.

The Countryside Alliance will be writing to all councils and other bodies in the coming weeks to remind them that they have a duty to control ragwort on their land, especially where their land abuts farmland.

The threat ragwort poses to animals is something that all landowners, whether public or private, must take seriously.

SIMON HART

Chief Executive, Countryside Alliance

Route for horses

THERE are up to 45 horses in Penmaenmawr which are ridden or driven regularly.

How come there is an overpass for cyclists and pedestrians only due to be constructed over to Llanfairfechan.

Currently there is distinct sign for a walkway for animals over to Llanfairfechan. What alternative is there for the horse rider when the changes are made?

To ride over via the beach is only accessible when the tide is out as in olden days. The other alternative is over the mountains which is lengthy and at times treacherous.

When learning that a safe walkway was to be constructed for cyclists and pedestrians I felt the need to point out that us horse riders do exist and need consideration.

G E HUGHES

Merton Park, Penmaenmawr