Many Hands make Light Work
As many of you will know, ragwort is poisonous to livestock, and when it sets seed it can spread like wildfire, such that there’s no grass to be seen. It needs to be removed as soon as it is spotted to prevent the spread.
The Save Lower Green Farm group is still active, waiting to hear the decision on the sale of the farmhouse and paddock, and in the meantime are going to be helping the farmer on Whitsun Common (part of Ickleford’s common land where the cattle graze) to pull up all the ragwort before it sets seed.
This will be taking place this weekend (20th and 21st July), pulling and piling it up outside of the common, today and Sunday between 4-5 pm. They would really like some help, from anyone who feels fit and is free.
It requires a bit of strength, and gardening gloves and long trousers are strongly recommended.
The group says: “We have tested out the logistics and have found that the cattle are very curious about the activity, thinking perhaps the ragwort piles are food, so it would be helpful to have people just carrying away the piles as soon as they are created. Because of the cattle, it’s not for anyone who would be fearful, and it is unsuitable for children. It’s more of a free outdoor gym session! Do feel free to invite a friend!
We will bring along a large garden fork and wheelbarrow.
It would be amazing to actually sort it out, so the cattle can have a happy summer. Happy cows means the common is grazed, and people can freely access and enjoy this special place.”
Even if you can only pop along for half an hour or less, every little bit of help adds up.
Many thanks in anticipation of your community spirit.”
If you are available tomorrow, please contact Frances Barry on 07731 956709.