Countryside campaigners vowed to write to Lichfield council bosses this week in an effort to curb the spread of a toxic weed which can have deadly consequences if eaten by horses and other grazing animals. Simon Hart, the chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, pledged to write to all local authorities and remind them they have a duty to control the growth of the deadly ragwort on their land. The move comes after the alliance was contacted by supporters from across the country voicing their concern at the growth of the weed which is in full bloom at this time. He said: "Many supporters have contacted us recently to voice their concerns about ragwort, a weed which is blooming at the moment. As every horse owner and farmer knows, ragwort contains toxins which can have debilitating or fatal consequences if eaten by horses and other grazing animals. "Land stewardship and animal husbandry are both huge responsibilities and I know that they are taken seriously by farmers, but it is important that the dangers posed by ragwort reach the widest possible audience. "There is a growing concern that some public bodies who own land, such as local authorities, are not taking the problem seriously and managing their land appropriately, but there is no excuse; a Code of Practice on how to stop the spread of ragwort is available from DEFRA. "The Countryside Alliance will be writing to all local authorities and other bodies to remind them that they have a duty to control ragwort on their land. A spokesman for Lichfield District Council said it assessed each case of ragwort on council owned land, and if the infestation poses a risk to animals grazing in the area, the authority would take appropriate action. But the council does not advise eradication on a large scale because, although ragwort can pose a risk to horses and grazing animals, it is also a valuable resource for wildlife. The council also said appropriate action would depend on the size of the infestation and the risk it has on animals nearby. | 
