code of practice on hopw to prevent the spread of ragwort - Defra

Appendix 10 – Environmental appraisal
21 A particular concern amongst conservation groups is that the public pressure
surrounding the Code will compel land managers to carry out more extensive
control measures than they would otherwise. The provisions <strong>of</strong> the Animal
Welfare Bill could exacerbate this. There are concerns that the risks presented by
ragwort on grazed nature conservation grasslands could lead to major changes in
grazing regimes. These could conceivably include the abandonment <strong>of</strong> grazing on
grassland and heathland sites, leading to the development <strong>of</strong> scrub and woodland
which may have a consequential significant effect on biodiversity.
22 However, as has already been stressed it is not the intention <strong>of</strong> the Code <strong>of</strong>
Practice to affect the balance <strong>of</strong> biodiversity. It should be remembered that the
control <strong>of</strong> ragwort has been required long before the introduction <strong>of</strong> the Weeds
Act 1959, which consolidates earlier legislation dating from 1921, without
resulting in such drastic consequences.
23 Balanced against the concerns for the conservation industry, recent research
estimates the horse industry is worth approximately £3.4 billion providing 50,000
jobs directly and up to 200,000 jobs indirectly. The cost <strong>of</strong> using chemical control
to clear ragwort would cost an average horse riding stable around £10 per acre
and possible around £100 per 5 acres where a contractor is employed. However,
the majority <strong>of</strong> stables would probably hand pull ragwort, and therefore the true
cost is in the person hours spent pulling the weed. In addition, the illness and
ultimate death <strong>of</strong> a horse through ragwort poisoning, including veterinary fees,
disposal and staff costs could be expected to cost around £ 1,000, with the
replacement cost <strong>of</strong> the horse an additional £ 3,500 to £ 4,000, although
show/competition animals could be valued at anything from £ 10,000 to £
100,000. These figures do not include the costs <strong>of</strong> loss <strong>of</strong> business as a result <strong>of</strong>
the loss or sickness <strong>of</strong> animals through ragwort poisoning. The Code will not be a
statutory requirement and, the nature <strong>of</strong> the measure, makes it difficult to put a
figure on the financial savings to the horse industry as result <strong>of</strong> the introduction
<strong>of</strong> the Code. Any estimate <strong>of</strong> financial saving would be entirely speculative, but
apart from financial considerations, there is the less tangible (but no less
important) benefit <strong>of</strong> avoiding the trauma <strong>of</strong> illness and death <strong>of</strong> animals.
24 Aside from the financial costs and benefits, the draft Code provides the
opportunity to ensure that land managers are aware <strong>of</strong> the need to take a
balanced approach to the clearance <strong>of</strong> ragwort, which may have not been
emphasised clearly enough in previous advice on ragwort control. The Code sets
out both sides <strong>of</strong> the argument in respect <strong>of</strong> ragwort – the risks posed to animal
welfare by ragwort poisoning and the contribution <strong>of</strong> ragwort to biodiversity and
the environment. It provides comprehensive guidance on when, where and how to
control ragwort, but pays specific attention to the needs <strong>of</strong> the environment and
the countryside as part <strong>of</strong> that process. The Code should benefit the environment
by ensuring that there is less damage to non-target species and by setting out clear
parameters on when it is necessary to control ragwort. The horse industry should
benefit from a more targeted approach to clearance <strong>of</strong> ragwort and the greater
awareness amongst land managers promoted by the Code <strong>of</strong> Practice. There is also
the benefit that organisations will be in a better position to defend undertaking
control measures proportionate to the actual risks involved.
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