Under the Weeds Act 1959 statutory action may be taken to control the spread of injurious (harmful) weeds (Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare), Creeping or Field Thistle (Cirsium arvense), Curled Dock (Rumex crispus) and Broad Leaved Dock (Rumex obstusifolius).
Responsibility for weed control lies with the occupier of the land. DEFRA, in practice, will give priority to investigate complaints where the weeds are:
- Threatening land used for keeping or grazing horses or livestock
- Farmland used to produce conserved forage
- Other agricultural activities.
- Danger to Stock
The complainant must have made reasonable attempts to contact the landowner or occupier where the weeds are growing.
The Parish Council have no legal duty as they do not own or occupy any land. Most of the Commons in Hyde are owned by Hampshire County Council – it is apparent that they do not have sufficient resources or manpower to remove the weeds in Hyde. Their policy is to encourage the “occupiers” to carry out the task – i.e. those who graze animals on the Commons/in the Forest.
The Future?
The Parish Council would like to continue to encourage all residents/landowners in the village to comply with the Act AND to help clear the Commons/roadsides. To this end, a reminder will be sent in the Spring Parish Newsletter.
This will be kept under review and if the weeds continue to increase then the Parish Council will enter into further dialogue with Hampshire County Council and/or encourage anyone affected to submit a complaint to DEFRA.
Himalayan Balsam
A good few years ago Himalayan Balsam, an invasive plant, was cleared out of the parish roadside, but it has reappeared, fortunately so far only a few occurrences.
Any new plants need to be pulled up or cut down before they take over our roadsides, streams and ditches.
It has to be admitted that it is a pretty plant, and bees like it; but it is not native, and needs to be controlled.
