Noxious weeds can be poisonous to humans or livestock or able to reproduce very rapidly to the detriment of other species.
The Noxious Weeds (Guernsey) Law, 1952 states that an occupier of land must not allow noxious weeds that are in flower or seed to grow on that land. More information on the control of these plants can be found in the Noxious Weed Leaflet, available to download.
The noxious weeds specified in the law are:
Common Ragwort
- All parts of the plant are highly poisonous and become more poisonous when dried
- Commonly found in poorly managed grassland, hedge banks and wasteland
Hemlock Water Dropwort
- Very poisonous plant, with roots commonly referred to as 'dead mans fingers' that are readily eaten by livestock, often with fatal consequences
- Grows in moist conditions along streams or douits
Spear Thistle and Creeping Thistle
- Difficult to eradicate due to a creeping root system and resistance to weed killers
- Abundant in fields, roadsides and derelict areas
The Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services may issue a notice requiring noxious weeds to be cleared.
Please contact us if you require further information on the identification and control of noxious weeds.
