Detailed notes and guidance have been published by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) on dealing with invasive plants.

The guide, titled Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and…

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Up to £250,000 will be available to reimburse farmers for the cost of removing sheep killed in freak snow in England last month, farming minister, David Heath announced today.

This is the latest move in a programme of support to help farmers affected by recent snow. Defra has already permitted farmers to bury or burn livestock onsite if snow makes it difficult to get them to a collection vehicle, and has relaxed rules on driver hours to allow extra time for essential deliveries of…

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[PRESS RELEASE]



BCPC has issued a comprehensive response to Defra's recent Consultation on the implementation of EU pesticides legislation, highlighting some 40 key points and focussing in particular on risk assessment, water protection, research and education.



Completely opposing the introduction of a pesticide reduction target, BCPC feels that pesticide policy in the UK… Continue

Gardeners are being warned about an invasion of the Citrus Longhorn Beetle (Anoplophora chinensis) in UK that has been imported from China, via Holland in a batch Acer palmatum and distributed via mail order.



Whilst the beetle is know to affect the Acer it is able to damage oak, beech, ash, maple, apple, pear, willow, hibiscus, horse chestnut, hornbeam, hazel, birch, mulberry and rose.



The larva or pupa can remain undetected for up to three year before emerging -… Continue