The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Land Management => Topic started by: Penninehillbilly on August 07, 2016, 05:39:20 pm

Title: Spraying herbicide
Post by: Penninehillbilly on August 07, 2016, 05:39:20 pm

Knowing regulations changed last year, I've been looking for training courses, interestingly, all courses and any info on grandfather's rights etc all refer to pesticides, nothing on spraying weedkillers. So is it OK to spray? Thinking of spot spraying problems area of docks, thistles and nettles, or possibly using a weedwipe.
Thoughts please?

Title: Re: Spraying herbicide
Post by: CarolineJ on August 07, 2016, 05:51:24 pm

Afraid not :(  From http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/topics/pesticides.htm (http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/topics/pesticides.htm)

The definition of pesticides includes plant protection products and biocides.

Plant protection products (PPPS) form a wide group of products including fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and growth regulators. If you use PPPs as part of your job you should read the Code of Practice for using plant protection products link to external website which tells you safe ways to store, transport, handle and use pesticides.

Biocides also include a wide range of products including rodenticides, disinfectants, wood and other preservatives, biocidal paints, surface cleaners, pest control products, etc. For further information on the safe ways to store and use biocides visit the biocide webpages.

Title: Re: Spraying herbicide
Post by: Carse Goodlifers on August 07, 2016, 06:27:16 pm

CarolineJ is quite correct.
Pesticides is the collective term.
I'd get a contractor in to do the job. 
You'll be looking at nearly £4-500 to sit the parts for the Knapsack course.

Title: Re: Spraying herbicide
Post by: juliem on August 07, 2016, 07:51:27 pm

Just spray them.....unless you get a freak inspection by the RPA and are claiming single farm payments...no one is going to know.I have just spot sprayed a few thistles... (close to fence line...and ditch....I have 11 acres).
A contractor is not going to be interested in such a small patch and I don't want all the acreage sprayed when it's not necessary.I  let the sheep eat the rest.
I usually get the paster out for the nettles in the gardem/lane/ditch/drive and finish off in the fields.

Title: Re: Spraying herbicide
Post by: juliem on August 07, 2016, 10:45:11 pm

Sorry "pastor".....presently can be purchased from Wynnstay on production of identification ie passport/driving licence.

Title: Re: Spraying herbicide
Post by: Penninehillbilly on August 08, 2016, 02:53:38 pm

Thanks all.