[A Guest]

Yes I have heard a few people talk about that and even mention ideas of a law especialy in relation to ragwort, where neighbours could be affected. Surely an ASBO would work?

[Fleecewife]

I doubt it.  Round the Edinburgh by-pass there are acres of the stuff, and the council certainly hasn't bothered to deal with it - they'd all look so sweet with those little anklets on. 

I think the law is probably defunct because of the impossibility of enforcing it, but it's still good etiquette to keep your ragwort to yourself.

[A Guest]

Yes of course in seriousness it shouldn't really need a law except in a massive case where perhaps civil law would suffice anyway. After all, if after many attempts at amicable resolution, polite complaints, proof of costs incurred by damage or work required to clean up etc etc, I would have thought someone minded to sue in civil court, could probably do so with a good lawyer and a good read of the law books. As you say, a simple and sociable approach of keeping it yourself is the best approach, and I wouldn't want my neighbours disliking me for such things either so I would probably be more inclined to clear them for that reason than for my own sake in all honesty! We did have some when I got here, and the previous owners had horses incredibly. We destroyed them all quickly and they haven't returned so far, thank god. we just have a forest of rush and thistles instead, but I am told Thistles are great for bees so thats something I suppose! Yin and yang etc.

[Ghdp]

Thanks for all the suggestions. It seems I am not alone with a bumper harvest. FW, you have given me a lot to think about! I suspect I will try all methods and see how it goes.

[Ghdp]

One corner of the field has had its thistles duly lifted! Now drying in the sun/ wind waiting to burn. I confess to spraying some too FW which I will root out in due course. I will see what works for us. My; the spikes hurt!!!

[Deere]

I am half way through my second year of clearing some neglected ground of nettles and thistles and I am glad to say, it is working!

In May/June move sheep off the ground that is to be treated.
Spot spray with a knapsack sprayer any undesirable plants in the paddocks with something like Grazon Pro, follow this up 3-4 weeks later on a warm day with a strimming session to cut down any decaying remains and also the missed or unaffected weeds.
Return sheep to the grazing until grass is low and the weeds are appearing repeat the above with a different chemical according to the weeds that are present.

Weeds are best treated successfully when they are actively growing so you may need to cut them back to encourage new growth so that you can apply the chemical correctly according to the chemicals instructions on the label.
I find strimming is best done early morning before a hot spell as this speeds up the wilt on the cut weeds.