Member

253B: Clause 55, page 92, line 29, at end insert— “(9) In designing, creating, implementing, monitoring or enforcing any EDP, Natural England, or any other body undertaking some or all of these functions, must ensure that legal obligations concerning notifiable weeds under the Weeds Act 1959 and the associated Code of Practice, including ragwort, are publicised, observed and enforced, including ensuring that all reasonable steps are taken to remove and destroy such plants.”Member’s explanatory statement This amendment clarifies the legal obligation on landowners and occupiers to report, control and remove notifiable weeds on land acquired for an EDP. The amendment specifically refers to ragwort, which is poisonous to livestock and has spread rapidly in recent years.