Native species
There are several species of native plants which are considered harmful to grazing animals. These include:
- Spear Thistle
- Creeping or Field Thistle
- Curled Dock
- Broad Leaved Dock
- Common Ragwort
These five species are listed under the Weeds Act of 1959, which aims to protect farming/grazing land from potentially damaging weeds. However, Natural England believes some of these species are important for conservation purposes.
The responsibility for invasive weeds lies with the land owner. The Environment Agency and the Council do not have to act unless the weeds are spreading from Council-owned land.