Latest news with #Ragwort
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
The nine ‘criminal' garden plants that could get you in trouble with the police and leave you with a £5,000 fine
Read on for gardening jobs to get done by the end of next week PLANT PALAVER The nine 'criminal' garden plants that could get you in trouble with the police and leave you with a £5,000 fine THE sun is out and many of us are making the most of it in our gardens. But instead of sitting on your lounger, you may want to focus your attention on the plants growing in your garden to prevent a hefty fine. 9 These plants could cost you thousands of pounds Credit: Getty While they may look innocent, there are several plants wreaking havoc in UK gardens, and if you're not careful, it could lead to structural damage, wildlife damage and paying out fines. Gardening experts at Fantastic Gardeners say these plants are more than just annoying weeds, they can takeover wildlife, cause burns and some are under strict regulation laws in the UK. 'These plants tend to spread vigorously, making their control costly and difficult,' they warned. Here, we take a look at the plants you need to check are in your garden to prevent penalties of up to £5,000 or two years in jail according to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Spear Thistle This purple plant may look lovely but is highly invasive and poses a huge threat to other UK native species. Spear thistle is a troublesome weed because, upon germination, it produces a tap root with lateral roots that spread horizontally. According to Fantastic Gardeners, it's incredibly adaptable and can compete with almost every plant it comes across so if you see it in the garden, it's time to get your gloves on. Broad-Leaved Dock This green, leafy plant may look harmless but is also highly invasive and can bring a huge range of unwanted garden pests, according to the Mirror. Broad-leaved dock thrives in all soil types, with 'no climatic limitation' stopping it from spreading throughout the UK. 9 The Dock plant can bring unwanted pests Credit: Getty Common Ragwort The pretty yellow flowers might deceive you, but this is one of the most commonly reported weeds across the country. This weed is toxic to mammals and its growth should be strictly controlled to protect livestock. 9 These pretty flowers are toxic to animals Credit: Alamy Map reveals worst areas for Japanese knotweed with fears plant will wipe thousands off house prices Curled Dock Similar to Broad-leaved dock, this is a resilient and persistent weed. Both curled dock and broad-leaved dock are regulated under the Weeds Act of 1959. 9 The curled dock is also considered an invasive plant Credit: Getty Japanese Knotweed This invasive plant is one of the most well-known in the UK. The Japanese Knotweed can grow almost anywhere and can cause serious issues for homeowners. Knotweed can take years to completely eradicate and often costs over £10,000 to remove professionally. 9 Japanese Knotweed can cost thousands to remove Credit: Getty Rhododendron Ponticum While this plant has beautiful purple blooms making it an attractive addition to the garden, you need to be careful This plant towers over others and prevents sunlight from reaching them. In fact, the UK spends millions each year trying to eradicate it, and it's far from easy to control. 9 This plant prevents others from growing Credit: Getty - Contributor May gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to crack on with in May. GARDEN growth can go from nought to ninety in May, depending on the weather. The last UK frosts are generally seen at the beginning of the month, so all of a sudden there's so much more to do and grow. Plant out dahlia tubers It's a joy to finally plant out your dahlia tubers. Remember how big they can get - and space accordingly - anything up to half a metre apart. It's a good idea to put your support stakes in now instead of trying to work around them. And make sure you include lots of well rotted manure or decent compost to feed it and then mulch to keep it moist and suppress weeds. They generally start blooming in July. Final feed to Spring flowers You can give a cheeky feed to all your remaining tulips and daffodils. Although the majority of bulbs aren't guaranteed to come back year after year any more, as long as you've left them to die back naturally there's a good chance they'll have stored enough energy to come back again. Tomato feed is fine. Tie up climbers Your clematis, honeysuckle and rambling roses should be well on their way by now - try to use plastic free string to tie them back into their support, or tuck them round each other to make sure they don't sprout off in crazy directions. Feed the lawn It's not too late to give your lawn a good feed. Whether you use granular or liquid, it can give it a good boost to see it through the harsher summer months. While mowing, don't go too low with your cut length yet and never take more than a third off the grass height. Get creative It's also time to get creative with hanging baskets and pots. Trailing pelargoniums, which a lot of people call geraniums, and Begonias are a good, low cost way of getting lovely returning blooms throughout the summer in your baskets. And pots can be planted with spring bulbs. Don't forget the greenhouse! Give your greenhouse a good tidy and clean the glass inside and out. The improved light will help plants grow quicker inside and tidying is good for the soul. You can just use a household white wine vinegar and water solution - or even neat if you're feeling spendy - which gives a really good shine. Himalayan Balsam Another pretty plant that is a total menace to UK wildlife is the Himalayan Balsam. It spreads easily through animals, wind and rivers, and this fast-growing species is hard to contain once it takes off. Each plant can produce around 800 seeds, with pods that can launch them up to 22 feet away from the original site. 9 This weed can travel quickly, taking other native species Credit: Alamy Giant Hogweed Another common plant seen by the coast and in forests is Giant Hogweed. It's one you want to steer clear of as it contains a potent chemical called furanocoumarins, which can cause serious injury if its sap touches human skin. The reaction can lead to burning, blistering, and even permanent scarring, making this plant one of the most dangerous in the UK. 9 Giant Hogweed can cause harm to humans Credit: Getty New Zealand Pigmyweed Last but not least is the New Zealand Pigmyweed, which wipes out any native species that crosses its path. To prevent its spread, sales of this plant have been banned in the UK since 2014.
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
The nine ‘criminal' garden plants that could get you in trouble with the police and leave you with a £5,000 fine
THE sun is out and many of us are making the most of it in our gardens. But instead of sitting on your lounger, you may want to focus your attention on the plants growing in your garden to prevent a hefty fine. 9 These plants could cost you thousands of pounds Credit: Getty While they may look innocent, there are several plants wreaking havoc in UK gardens, and if you're not careful, it could lead to structural damage, wildlife damage and paying out fines. Gardening experts at Fantastic Gardeners say these plants are more than just annoying weeds, they can takeover wildlife, cause burns and some are under strict regulation laws in the UK. 'These plants tend to spread vigorously, making their control costly and difficult,' they warned. Here, we take a look at the plants you need to check are in your garden to prevent penalties of up to £5,000 or two years in jail according to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. READ MORE ON GARDENING Spear Thistle This purple plant may look lovely but is highly invasive and poses a huge threat to other UK native species. Spear thistle is a troublesome weed because, upon germination, it produces a tap root with lateral roots that spread horizontally. According to Fantastic Gardeners, it's incredibly adaptable and can compete with almost every plant it comes across so if you see it in the garden, it's time to get your gloves on. Broad-Leaved Dock This green, leafy plant may look harmless but is also highly invasive and can bring a huge range of unwanted garden pests, according to the Most read in Fabulous Broad-leaved dock thrives in all soil types, with 'no climatic limitation' stopping it from spreading throughout the UK. 9 The Dock plant can bring unwanted pests Credit: Getty Common Ragwort The pretty yellow flowers might deceive you, but this is one of the most commonly reported weeds across the country. This weed is toxic to mammals and its growth should be strictly controlled to protect livestock. 9 These pretty flowers are toxic to animals Credit: Alamy Map reveals worst areas for Japanese knotweed with fears plant will wipe thousands off house prices Curled Dock Similar to Broad-leaved dock, this is a resilient and persistent weed. Both curled dock and broad-leaved dock are regulated under the Weeds Act of 1959. 9 The curled dock is also considered an invasive plant Credit: Getty Japanese Knotweed This invasive plant is one of the most well-known in the UK. The Japanese Knotweed can grow almost anywhere and can cause serious issues for homeowners. Knotweed can take years to completely eradicate and often costs over £10,000 to remove professionally. 9 Japanese Knotweed can cost thousands to remove Credit: Getty Rhododendron Ponticum While this plant has beautiful purple blooms making it an attractive addition to the garden, you need to be careful This plant towers over others and prevents sunlight from reaching them. In fact, the UK spends millions each year trying to eradicate it, and it's far from easy to control. 9 This plant prevents others from growing Credit: Getty - Contributor May gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to crack on with in May. GARDEN growth can go from nought to ninety in May, depending on the weather. The last UK frosts are generally seen at the beginning of the month, so all of a sudden there's so much more to do and grow. Plant out dahlia tubers It's a joy to finally plant out your dahlia tubers. Remember how big they can get - and space accordingly - anything up to half a metre apart. It's a good idea to put your support stakes in now instead of trying to work around them. And make sure you include lots of well rotted manure or decent compost to feed it and then mulch to keep it moist and suppress weeds. They generally start blooming in July. Final feed to Spring flowers You can give a cheeky feed to all your remaining tulips and daffodils. Although the majority of bulbs aren't guaranteed to come back year after year any more, as long as you've left them to die back naturally there's a good chance they'll have stored enough energy to come back again. Tomato feed is fine. Tie up climbers Your clematis, honeysuckle and rambling roses should be well on their way by now - try to use plastic free string to tie them back into their support, or tuck them round each other to make sure they don't sprout off in crazy directions. Feed the lawn It's not too late to give your lawn a good feed. Whether you use granular or liquid, it can give it a good boost to see it through the harsher summer months. While mowing, don't go too low with your cut length yet and never take more than a third off the grass height. Get creative It's also time to get creative with hanging baskets and pots. Trailing pelargoniums, which a lot of people call geraniums, and Begonias are a good, low cost way of getting lovely returning blooms throughout the summer in your baskets. And pots can be planted with spring bulbs. Don't forget the greenhouse ! Give your greenhouse a good tidy and clean the glass inside and out. The improved light will help plants grow quicker inside and tidying is good for the soul. You can just use a household white wine vinegar and water solution - or even neat if you're feeling spendy - which gives a really good shine. Himalayan Balsam Another pretty plant that is a total menace to UK wildlife is the Himalayan Balsam. It spreads easily through animals, wind and rivers, and this fast-growing species is hard to contain once it takes off. Each plant can produce around 800 seeds, with pods that can launch them up to 22 feet away from the original site. 9 This weed can travel quickly, taking other native species Credit: Alamy Giant Hogweed Another common plant seen by the coast and in forests is Giant It's one you want to steer clear of as it contains a potent chemical called furanocoumarins, which can cause serious injury if its sap touches human skin. The reaction can lead to burning, blistering, and even permanent scarring, making this plant one of the most dangerous in the UK. 9 Giant Hogweed can cause harm to humans Credit: Getty New Zealand Pigmyweed Last but not least is the New Zealand Pigmyweed, which wipes out any native species that crosses its path. To prevent its spread, sales of this plant have been banned in the UK since 2014. 9 The sale of this plant has been banned for over ten years Credit: Alamy
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Nine 'criminal plants' in your back garden which could land you in hot water
Most of us don't realise having specific plants in your garden is actually a criminal offence which can costs you a hefty fine, we looked into some of the most dangerous plants you shouldn't have in your garden The sun's out, spirits are high, and many are turning their attention to gardens but before you get too excited about your blooming flower beds or perfectly mowed lawn, experts are warning Brits to double-check what's growing because some plants could be doing more harm than good. They might look innocent enough, but several invasive species are wreaking havoc in UK gardens and if you're not careful, you could end up with a hefty fine, structural damage to your home, or even risk harming pets and wildlife. According to gardening pros at Fantastic Gardeners, these plants are more than just annoying weeds. They can spread like wildfire, are difficult to get rid of, and in some cases, are strictly regulated under UK law. Some can even cause burns if touched. So it's not just your petunias you need to keep an eye on this summer. 'These plants tend to spread vigorously, making their control costly and difficult,' they warned, adding that those who don't take action could face penalties. Here are some of the worst offenders and why they could leave you with a hefty fine. Spear Thistle This attractive plant is highly invasive and poses a significant threat to other native UK species. Spear thistle is a troublesome weed because, upon germination, it produces a tap root with lateral roots that spread horizontally. According to Fantastic Gardeners, it's incredibly adaptable and can compete with almost every plant it comes across. Common Ragwort While its yellow flowers may seem appealing, this 'beauty' of a weed is actually toxic to most mammals. It's one of the most commonly reported weeds found across the country, and its growth should be strictly controlled to protect livestock. Broad-Leaved Dock This green, leafy plant is highly invasive and can harbour a range of unwanted garden pests. Broad-leaved dock thrives in all soil types, with 'no climatic limitation' stopping it from spreading throughout the UK. Curled Dock Known as a resilient and persistent weed, curled dock can easily outcompete most native species. Both curled dock and broad-leaved dock are regulated under the Weeds Act of 1959. Japanese Knotweed This invasive plant can grow almost anywhere, and once it takes hold, it can cause serious issues for homeowners. Knotweed can take years to completely eradicate and often costs over £10,000 to remove professionally. Rhododendron Ponticum Despite its small, charming purple blooms, this towering plant is considered a menace. It grows to an impressive height and blocks sunlight from reaching other plants. The UK spends millions each year trying to eradicate it, and it's far from easy to control. Himalayan Balsam Easily spread by animals, wind and rivers, this fast-growing species is hard to contain once it takes off. Each plant can produce around 800 seeds, with pods that can launch them up to 22 feet away from the original site. Giant Hogweed This uniquely shaped weed contains a potent chemical called furanocoumarins, which can cause serious injury if its sap touches human skin. The reaction can lead to burning, blistering, and even permanent scarring, making this plant one of the most dangerous in the UK. New Zealand Pigmyweed This aggressive weed wipes out any native species in its path, posing a real threat to gardens, ponds, and surrounding land. To prevent its spread, sales of this plant have been banned in the UK since 2014. Spotting these plants early is key to preventing long-term damage. If you think any of them might be growing in your garden or on nearby land, it's worth seeking professional advice. Some species require specialist removal, and failing to act could come with a serious cost.
BBC News
07-03-2025
- BBC News
Stolen farm vehicles funding drugs trade, says Wiltshire PCC
Quad bikes and other equipment stolen from farms could be used to fund the drugs trade and other organised crime, according to Ragwort has been launched to tackle rural crime in the south west, with the aim of breaking up organised from Wiltshire Police has indicated the theft of agricultural machinery, plant machinery, horseboxes and farming tools increased by 3% from 2023 to Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) Philip Wilkinson said money raised from the sale of farm equipment on the black market can "end up in the drug trade". Mr Wilkinson said the situation in Ukraine and eastern Europe had "placed a premium on farm equipment, tractors and trailers"."They're worth a lot money on the black market," he said. "So what we see being stolen in Wiltshire and the South West will often end up being transported through serious organised crime groups to where the demand is."And that money can end up in the drug trade, it's all interconnected. "We see all kinds of criminality, and the profits. We follow the money." According to the National Farmers Union, nationally the cost of rural crime was £1.1m in 2023, a rise of more than 12%.The police operation involves five forces from across the south and south west of England collaborating and sharing two days of action on key roads in Wiltshire earlier in the week, officers stopped and checked all vehicles towing trailers carrying quad bikes, livestock, agricultural equipment and plant machinery along two key Wiltshire road than 100 vehicles were stopped and checked, resulting in two vehicles being seized and a suspected stolen trailer being recovered. One farmer who was stopped and found to be fully legal and compliant said it was a positive thing to see the action by Ford, who was transporting sheep, said: "We do our best to prevent theft from our farm and luckily we haven't had major problems. "But it is reassuring to know that the police are out there and looking into things." Supt James Brain, rural crime lead for Wiltshire Police, explained: "Nationally there is an emerging threat of theft of high value equipment from our farms; machinery, things like quad bikes and trailers."The action was about being "proactive and intrusive", he said, as well as "building confidence and trust in our communities".He encouraged anyone who was a victim of crime, or who had seen suspicious behaviour to report it.
